Dolphin-eating sharks close Aussie beaches for 7th day

 By 
Jenni Ryall
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

An area of coastline in Australia has been closed for seven consecutive days after two massive great white sharks have been seen feasting on dolphins.

All the beaches of Newcastle, on the central coast of New South Wales, have been closed due to the sightings. A five-metre, 1700-kilogram great white was spotted by surfers off the popular surf beaches and a three-metre shark has also been spotted by a lifeguard on a Jetski, according to ABC News.

All Newy beaches will remain closed Friday due to shark sightings in coastal waters today. Stay out of the water and stay safe. #sharkwatch— City of Newcastle (@CityNewcastle) January 15, 2015

Newcastle Council said it appeared the sharks had been feeding on dolphins, as carcasses were seen with large bite marks.

"It is not safe for anyone to be in the water, including board riders, even close to shore, as sharks are known to move into the surf zone, hunting prey between where the surf breaks and the shoreline," the council wrote on its website.

The beaches will not be reopened until two days pass with no sightings.

Monster great white shark again spotted off the coast of Newcastle. @clairedressler http://t.co/fEAB4P5pFo #9News pic.twitter.com/JcJRXj4fF5— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) January 15, 2015

Monster shark pictured hunting down dolphin off coast of Newcastle, 100m from scuba divers. http://t.co/v3FptJ000O pic.twitter.com/92dPCEK1qU— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) January 15, 2015

Large shark photographed as Newcastle beach closures extend to record seventh day http://t.co/PWMRoSXD0q pic.twitter.com/1OdPyOjxld— smh.com.au (@smh) January 15, 2015

I can't get over this shark photo, the poor dolphin: http://t.co/aTGBidfhCm Pic: Peter Lorimer / @dailytelegraph pic.twitter.com/F9rDQ2C6JT— Charis Chang (@CharisChang2) January 15, 2015

On Friday, a teenage male was attacked by a shark at Mollymook beach, on the south coast of New South Wales. The 17-year-old was spear fishing when the shark attacked his hand, according to the local Illawarra Mercury newspaper. He was hospitalized for treatment.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!