Enlarge image
Rescue workers at Little Bay Beach in Sydney
Photo: BIANCA DE MARCHI / EPA
In Sydney, authorities are using drones to search for a great white shark that attacked a human the previous day.
"Based on public footage and eyewitness accounts, shark experts believe a great white shark at least 10 feet long was likely responsible," an agency said.
On Wednesday afternoon, a 35-year-old swimmer was attacked by the animal.
Fishermen and golfers watched helplessly from the shore.
The victim succumbed to his injuries, which rescue workers described as "catastrophic".
Several ropes were stretched around Little Bay Beach, near which the shark attack occurred, the authority said.
These are fitted with hooks and baits that can be used to catch sharks and lure them to more distant waters.
The use of these ropes is controversial.
It was the first deadly shark attack off Sydney since 1963 and the first in Australia this year.
Shark attacks are rarely life-threatening.
Nevertheless, their number has been increasing in Australia for years - partly because the number of water sports enthusiasts is also increasing.
Surfers are particularly affected by sharks biting their extremities because experts believe they mistake them for seals.
kha/AFP
