Drone operator spots school of 40 sharks at NSW beach, forcing its closure
A drone has spotted a large school of sharks at Evans Head on NSW's north coast, causing authorities to shut the beach yesterday.
A Surf Life Saving drone operator was conducting routine aerial surveillance on the beach when they spotted the school of approximately 40 sharks just before 11.30am on Wednesday.
It is believed the school mostly composed of spinner, dusky and bull sharks.
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It is believed the school mostly composed of spinner, dusky and bull sharks. NSW Surf Life Saving
About 100 swimmers and surfers were evacuated from the beach once the sharks were located.
The drone program is run by the Department of Primary Industries, and is in operation at 34 beaches over summer.
We've been able to alert lifesaving patrols or people in the water directly, to the presence of sharks nearby on numerous occasions," said SLSNSW Operations Manager, Public Safety Brent Manieri.
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About 100 swimmers and surfers were evacuated from the beach once the sharks were located. NSW Surf Life Saving
"Feedback from the public is that they appreciate the surveillance we are conducting using UAVs at many locations along the coast.
"Many people feel that their safety is improved if they know the drones are up in the air and keeping watch."
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