Sydney beaches CLOSED as shark who ate a swimmer is hunted – Coogee, Little Bay, Maroubra, Clovelly

The search for a four-and-half-metre long great white shark which mauled a swimmer to death will resume at first light, with 11 beaches to remain closed as the hunt for the man-eater continues.

Shocked onlookers could do nothing but helplessly watch on in horror as the tragedy unfolded 10 metres from shore at Buchan Point near Little Bay Beach in Sydney’s east on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency services found the swimmer’s remains in the water an hour later, with witnesses describing how the victim was ‘ripped in two’.

Little Bay Beach was closed for the rest of the day as a search for the predator which caused the first fatal attack in Sydney in almost 60 years was launched.

Randwick Council will close all 10 beaches for the next 24 hours, including Coogee (pictured)

Police spent several hours at the scene interviewing shocked witnesses and later removed an SUV from the carpark at nearby Malabar Beach.

The search for the shark was later called off for the night, and is due to resume at first light on Thursday. 

The tragedy has prompted Randwick Council to close all 11 of its beaches for the next 24 hours, including Little Bay.

Popular swimming spots such as Malabar, Maroubra, Coogee, Clovelly and La Perouse will also be closed along with Congwong, Little Congwong and Yarra Bay beaches, Frenchmans Bay and Gordons Bay.

Many Sydneysiders had hoped to spend a day in the ocean with temperatures to reach a balmy 31C. 

Signage and barricades have been installed warning swimmers to stay out of the water.

The search for the four-and-a-half metre long predator will continue on Thursday morning

The first fatal shark attack in Sydney since 1963 occurred at Buchan Point in Sydney’s east

Council lifeguards will patrol beaches over the next 24 hours to be on the look out for further shark sightings.

Little Bay Beach is regarded by the council as one of Sydney’s undiscovered jewels and a ‘secret’ beach popular with locals.

The latest tragedy comes after the death of a father and son rock fishing at the same site two weeks ago.

‘The coast is our community’s backyard. Little Bay is normally such a calm, beautiful place enjoyed by families,’ Randwick mayor Dylan Parker said.

‘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.’

It’s the first fatal shark attack in Randwick City in recent memory.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community in Sydney’s east (pictured, emergency services at the scene at Little Bay Beach)

A non-fatal shark attack occurred at Congwong Beach four years ago.

Police will liaise with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the swimmer. 

‘DPI extends sincere condolences to the family and friends and first responders at this tragic time,’ a department spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia.

‘DPI will continue to work with NSW Police and SLS NSW to monitor the area and provide any technical advice and resources if required, including deploying SMART drumlines in the area.’