Experts say fatal shark attacks in Sydney’s Little Bay are ‘rare and unusual.
Experts believe the shark that killed a man on a Sydney beach might never be found.
Authorities continue to search for the great white shark that killed Simon Nellist, a 35-year-old Wolli Creek resident, off rocks near Buchan Point at Little Bay Wednesday afternoon.
On Wednesday, Mr. Nellist was attacked by a certified diver instructor.
It was the first shark attack fatality in Sydney since 1963 when Marcia Hathaway, an actress from Sydney, died of bite wounds in Middle Harbour.
Yesterday, police, lifesavers, and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), deployed bright drum lines from Little Bay to Long Bay to locate the shark.
The DPI and police can destroy the animal if it poses an extreme threat to public safety. However, it is understood that the preference is to tag and track the shark.
Vanessa Pirotta, a marine scientist, said that the shark, 3 meters in length, likely left the area and would not return.
Dr. Pirotta stated that great whites could travel long distances, and their presence in the waters off Sydney was only sometimes.
The Macquarie University expert stated that shark incidences are uncommon and unusual.
“It’s not often that we see animals this large off our beaches, but it is possible.
These animals can move large distances and will be seen from time to time.
Dr. Pirotta suggested that the shark might have been attracted to the area by currents or because it was hunting prey or looking for warmer water.
She said that the animal could have simply been passing through the area and, in this instance, had an unfortunate interaction with a person.
Many tributes were posted to Mr. Nellist, a British ex-serviceman and native British citizen, on social media. Many of them came from his Penzance, Cornwall, family.
“The ocean and the world are now one amazing human short. Simon, you will always be our ocean protector,” one friend wrote.
An ex-military colleague described Mr. Nellist as “a gentle giant and lovely bloke who would do anything for anyone.”
Another person shared a photo of the 35-year-old riding in an army vehicle. He said he had “not a bad bone in his body.”
One user shared a screen capture of a Facebook post that Mr. Nellist posted last year. In it, he reflected on his time in Afghanistan.
The August 21 post featured a photo of Mr. Nellist wearing his military uniform and two young Afghan children.
He wrote, “I’ve been thinking about the Afghan children recently.”
They were so kind. They were kind and generous children who didn’t have anything.
“I hope they are OK. If they escape, I hope we can take care of as many as possible.”
His friend wrote that Simon was “rare, salt of the Earth, lived life to its fullest, was an amazing diver and photographer, was a brave soldier and a brave man, and his heart was wholesome. Simon was far too young for this planet, and under no circumstances was he ever worthy of going the route he did.”
The CSIRO released a 2018 study that estimated that 750 great whites were living in the waters of eastern Australia.
According to the census, 5,500 great white sharks were found in the waters from Victoria’s south coast to central Queensland and New Zealand.
Dylan Parker, Randwick mayor, said that Mr. Nellist was a familiar face in Little Bay and that the community was “chilled out to the bone” by the attack.
He said that he knew that the dead frequently swam across Little Bay and was well-known to those who frequented this beach regularly, and they unfortunately died.”
“If you visited Little Bay on a Saturday or Sunday, it would be crowded with families, beach umbrellas, and young children.
“To hear of a death like this is shocking to all.”
Authorities searched for sharks at 13 beaches in Bondi and Cronulla yesterday, but swimmers were still seen stepping into the waters along the city’s coastline.
Surf lifesavers on jet skis turned one man away as he attempted to walk into the waves at Little Bay yesterday.
Randwick council confirmed Thursday afternoon that all beaches would reopen Friday after no more shark sightings.
The attack occurred at a popular fishing spot just up the headland of Little Bay Beach.
Because of its deepwater location, it could not have been protected by shark nets even though they were deployed.
Shane Daw from Surf Life Saving NSW Australia said that he believes little could have been done.
He said shark attacks could occur, but fatalities are uncommon and rare.
“It’s one of those things we wish never happens, but there’s still the chance.”
Mr. Daw stated that people should be aware of where they are swimming and be alert for any behaviors that could attract attention from shark patrolling boats.
He said that only one of the last year’s 241 deaths at NSW beaches was due to shark attacks.
Dugald Saunders, Minister for Agriculture, stated that the government provided technical advice and resources to the police and Surf Life Saving NSW during the ongoing search.
He said that the shark attack at Little Bay Beach on Wednesday afternoon was a tragedy and a shock to the people of Sydney, mainly since the last similar incident was nearly 60 years ago.