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Swimmers warned as tagged shark alert system goes off-line at Leighton Beach

Brianna DuganThe West Australian
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Swimmers and surfers have been warned to be extra vigilant for sharks.
Camera IconSwimmers and surfers have been warned to be extra vigilant for sharks. Credit: Unknown/Department of Fisheries

Swimmers and surfers at a popular Perth beach have been warned to be on the lookout for sharks after an outage of the tagged shark monitoring network.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development issued the advice for Leighton Beach in Fremantle, advising that the shark detection system in the area is offline due to scheduled maintenance.

DPIRD expect the work to be finished by 12pm, but have warned swimmers in the area to remain vigilant.

“Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA,” a statement read.

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“Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.

“All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.”

In November last year a 57-year-old father was “dragged under” the water in a horrific fatal shark attack at nearby Port Beach — the first attack in five years.

The victim, who was a regular swimmer at the Fremantle beach, was feared dead late on Saturday, November 6, after authorities spent all day searching for him following the attack at about 10am.

The dad was swimming within 50m of the shore just north of Sandtrax (surfing spot) when the shark hit him.

Witnesses recounted the traumatising moment a 4.5m monster — believed to be a white pointer — took the man while his distressed wife and children looked on from the shore.

Leon Tanin and his friend Scott were swimming when they spotted what they described as a 4.5m-long shark.

They said one of the two small boats was trying to circle the man in the water.

“(They were) sort of trying to keep the shark away (from him),” one of the men said.

“(Afterwards) they seemed pretty shaken up by the whole thing.”

Anyone who sees a shark is ask to report the information to water police on 9442 8600.

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