Swimmer Killed By Shark Attack, Several Beaches Including Bondi And Bronte In Sydney Australia Closed

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JAKARTA - Several beaches in Sydney, Australia, including the iconic Bondi and Bronte, were closed today after a swimmer was killed by a shark attack. It was the first fatal incident in 60 years.

Several shark traps have been installed and several drones have been deployed to conduct searches in anticipation of sharks still being around the scene.

An internet video shows a shark attacking a person on Wednesday evening in the coastal waters of Little Bay, about 20km north of Sydney, near the entrance to Botany Bay. Police have yet to reveal the identity of the victim.

"This has really taken our community by surprise", Dylan Parker, mayor of Randwick Council which includes Little Bay, told Reuters. "The beach is our backyard and a tragic death in this kind of dire situation is truly shocking", he said.

A charity swimming event on a nearby beach that was due to be held on Sunday, February 20 has also been canceled out of respect for the victim and her family.

Organizers of the Murray Rose Malabar Magic Ocean Swim initially considered postponing the event until March but canceled it after consulting the local council and coast guard.

A spokesman for the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries said shark experts believe a great white shark at least three meters long may have been involved in the deadly attack.

The previous fatal shark attack incident in Sydney occurred in 1963. Authorities have ordered the public not to be out in the water on hot days when temperatures hit 30 degrees Celsius.

"Some reckless surfers are still playing and taking risks, but most of us heed the warnings and stay out of the water until the sharks are gone. This is far more dangerous than reckless driving, to be honest", said resident Karen Romalis.