Australia Reviews Coogee Beach Drone Ban After Shark Attack

Authorities in Australia are reviewing restrictions on drone operations over Coogee Beach following a shark attack that left a woman critically injured. The move could allow surf life-saving teams in New South Wales to expand the use of drones for shark surveillance and swimmer safety.

Emergency services responded to reports of a shark attack at Coogee Beach, located in eastern Sydney, on Saturday morning. According to authorities, a 35-year-old woman was bitten by a large shark while swimming around 30 metres from the shoreline.

The incident prompted an immediate response from emergency crews. As a result, the woman was taken to hospital, where she remained in a critical condition.

Beach Closures Follow Attack

Following the attack, Coogee Beach and several other beaches within the Randwick Council area were closed for 24 hours as a precautionary measure.

Authorities implemented the closures to protect swimmers and beachgoers while officials assessed the situation. During the shutdown, aerial monitoring took place to help identify any shark activity in nearby waters.

Although drone operations at Coogee Beach are generally restricted, drones were deployed under emergency provisions to scan the area for sharks. This allowed authorities to continue surveillance despite existing flight limitations.

Government Considers New Safety Measures

Meanwhile, the New South Wales government signalled that additional measures could be introduced to improve swimmer safety.

New South Wales Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the government would examine new options aimed at reducing the risk of shark attacks. These measures could include broader use of drones as well as other forms of technology designed to monitor coastal waters.

The review comes in response to concerns about beach safety following the incident and reflects ongoing efforts to improve shark detection capabilities along popular swimming locations.

Drone Restrictions Under Review

Australian lifesavers already use drones to assist with shark monitoring at many beaches. However, Coogee Beach faces particular restrictions on commercial drone operations because it lies beneath the flight path of Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport.

As a result, drone use in the area has been limited despite the technology’s role in identifying potential shark threats.

The regulator will now review the ban, while the state government considers whether changes could allow surf life-saving organisations to make greater use of drones for shark surveillance and public safety at Coogee Beach.

With inputs from Reuters