Australia Kills Two Sharks After Tourist Attacks
Faizan Hashmi Published September 23, 2018 | 02:06 PM
Sydney, Sept 23 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Sep, 2018 ) :Two large sharks have been killed in Australia after a woman and a girl were attacked at a popular Great Barrier Reef tourist spot.
Both victims -- one of them just 12 years old -- were still in hospital Sunday after being mauled in separate incidents earlier this week at the Whitsunday Islands.
Drum lines, which use baited hooks to catch the predators, ensnared two tiger sharks -- one 3.3 metres (11 feet) long, a Fisheries Queensland spokesman said.
"While sharks of this size are potentially very dangerous to humans, it is unclear if they were responsible for injuries caused to two swimmers this week," he said.
"The shark carcasses will be towed well out to sea for disposal." The spokesman added that the drumlines would remain in place over the next week to reduce the risk to swimmers.
Shark attacks are very rare in the Whitsundays -- a collection of spectacular tropical islands in the heart of the Barrier Reef, with the last encounter reported to be eight years ago, according to national broadcaster ABC.
This week's incidents have revived debate about how best to reduce the risk of encounters between sharks and the growing number of people using the ocean for leisure.
Many conservationists and marine scientists object to killing sharks, and insist that drum lines are a blunt instrument because they often catch other creatures.
New South Wales, the country's most populous state, has trialled non-lethal measures such as aerial drones to track sharks' movements and "smart" drum lines that alert authorities to their presence.
Recent Stories
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
More Stories From World
-
Ukraine agriculture minister freed on bail in corruption case
19 minutes ago -
Vietnam National Assembly head resigns amid graft purge
19 minutes ago -
Calls for mosque demolition weigh on India's Muslim voters
29 minutes ago -
Chinese shares close higher Friday
29 minutes ago -
China's EV execs bullish on Western pressure at Beijing car show
39 minutes ago -
EU toughens rules on fashion retailer Shein
39 minutes ago
-
Xi meets U.S. secretary of state in Beijing
49 minutes ago -
Ukrainian minister detained over suspected corruption: prosecutors
50 minutes ago -
Golf: PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans scores
59 minutes ago -
Pilot seriously injured after vintage plane crash in Western Australia
1 hour ago -
Iron ore futures close higher
1 hour ago -
Tabloid head wanted to 'protect' Trump from salacious stories
1 hour ago