Beaches remain closed after fatal shark attack at Shelly Beach NSW
Latest Media Release
NSW Police Force
10. February 2015
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Fatal shark attack update – Ballina
Beaches remain closed between South Ballina and Lennox Head following a fatal shark attack in the area yesterday.
Just before 10am on Monday 9 February 2015, a group of surfers assisted an injured man from the water at Shelly Beach.
The 41-year-old Japanese national was taken to hospital with severe leg injuries but could not be revived.
From 7am today (Tuesday 10 February 2015), police along with SES, Surf Lifesavers and Council officers conducted a search for six kilometres either side of Shelly Beach.
The search did not reveal any further information and there were no additional shark sightings.
However, at this time the beaches in the area remain closed and this will continue until tomorrow when the situation will be reassessed. Public safety remains the paramount consideration.
Investigators have been speaking with a Department of Primary Industries marine expert to try and identify the type of shark involved in the attack.
Meantime police have urged anyone who observes a shark to report the matter to officers or surf lifesavers immediately.
Aerial patrols have been made today by Polair, with no sightings of sharks. A meeting will be held tomorrow morning to assess beach and surf conditions.
Source: NSW Police