​Beaches From Bondi To Cronulla Closed After Fatal Shark Attack

A huge section of Sydney's coastline is closed today.

All coastal beaches from Bondi in the east to Cronulla in the south have been shut down in the wake of yesterday afternoon's fatal shark attack.

NSW Police issued a warning that Bondi, Tamarama, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee, South Maroubra, Little Bay, Malabar, Long Bay and La Perouse were all closed today.

Sutherland Shire Council also issued an announcement that all Bate Bay beaches, including Cronulla, are closed.

Steven Pearce from Surf Life Saving NSW advised Sydneysiders to play it safe today.

"Whilst we have all assets on the water trying to locate the animal, we just want to make sure that there is no other danger to any swimmers in that area," he said.

"Our advice today is for everyone to remain out of the water even though it's going to be very hot."

A swimmer died yesterday at Buchan Point, near Little Bay, in full view of bystanders and fishermen.

It was the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since 1963.

A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said: "Unfortunately this person had suffered catastrophic injuries and there wasn't a lot paramedics could do when we arrived."

Police are now liaising with the Department of Primary Industry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the swimmer, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Fisherman Kris Linto told Nine News he saw a 4.5 metre great white shark attack the swimmer.

"The shark came and attacked them vertically," he said.

"We heard a yell and then turned around. [The splash] looked like a car just landed in the water."

The Mayor of Randwick - of which Little Bay is a part - Dylan Parker said the community was in shock.

"The coast is our community's backyard," Mr Parker said.

"Little Bay is normally such a calm, beautiful place enjoyed by families.

"To lose someone to a shark attack like this is chilling. We are all in shock.

"Our entire community's hearts go out to the family of the victim."

The last fatal shark attack in Sydney's waters was on Monday, 28 January in 1963.

32-year-old Marcia Hathaway was attacked when at Sydney Harbour beach's Sugarloaf Bay.

The ambulance broke down when attempting to get her to hospital, and by the time the second one arrived, she had stopped breathing.

Topics: News, shark attack, Australia