A shark fin was spotted just metres from a lifeguard only moments after a surfer was attacked at a busy Sydney beach on Tuesday morning.
Although the shark did not injure the surfer, the animal managed to grab onto the board and leave large bite marks.
Maroubra was involved in an incident that occurred at 7.50 AM, when dangerous surf conditions forced the closure of eastern suburbs beaches.
Lifeguards raised the alarm for the beach shark and raced to the aid of the stunned surfer.
A shark fin, which was visible just meters from the lifeguard was found after a surfer at Maroubra Beach in Sydney was attacked on Tuesday morning by a shark.
Although the shark did not injure the surfer, the animal managed to grab onto the board and leave large bite marks.
Lifeguards returned to the water using jetskis to inspect the area for potential danger.
The dramatic moment at which a shark fin appeared to break through water was captured by a local videographer, who was just metres from the lifeguards.
Before disappearing beneath the surface, it appeared to have made a dash for the lifeguards.
Randwick City Council spokesmen said that the water was cleared by lifeguards following the incident. They later saw the shark, but weren’t sure if it was the exact same.
Due to unsafe surf conditions, Maroubra Beach has been closed. We are still taking inquiries. It is not the right time to go in the water.
The surfer was rescued by lifeguards who rushed him to the shore. He was then checked out and fortunate to have not sustained any injuries.
Simon Nellist (pictured with his fiancee Jessie Ho ) was mauled to death by a great white shark in Sydney’s east on February 17
One swimmer, who was swimming 150 m off the coast of Melros Beach in Perth’s southern suburbs, was struck by a shark that measured 3.5 metres long. He managed to escape unharmed.
This happens almost three weeks after Simon Nellist, a British expat from Britain was killed by a great white shark measuring 4.5m in length. He had been swimming off Little Bay in Sydney’s east every day.
The attack was Sydney’s deadliest shark attack in six decades.
Lawrence Chlebuck, animal welfare expert said that most shark bites are caused by humans mistaking the animals for seals.
He explained that they usually bite down on something in order to identify what it was. Once they recognize it’s not an ordinary prey item but a person, they run.
“The majority of shark attacks are one and done.”
Lawrence Chlebuck, animal welfare expert and wildlife advocate said that most shark bites are caused by humans mistaking the animals for seals.
According to him, most sharks that bite are juveniles and they were looking for energy from the seal blubber in order to support their hunter-killer lifestyle.
He stated that the marine mammals are still adjusting to their new diets as they move from fish (as young sharks) to seals.
“Great white sharks” are large predators and require a lot more energy. They need lots of high-energy foods, such as the blubber of seals.
“Skinny, bony humans are not normal prey items.