Shark Attacks Prompt Australia to Consider Relaxing Drone Ban for Coastal Surveillance

(Central News, Melbourne, 14th - comprehensive international report) A shark attack occurred yesterday at Coogee Beach in Australia, leaving a woman seriously injured and hospitalized. In response, regulatory authorities are reevaluating restrictions on drone flights over Coogee Beach to allow rescue personnel in New South Wales to monitor shark movements.

According to Reuters, a shark attacked a person at Coogee Beach on Sydney's eastern coast yesterday morning. A 35-year-old woman was bitten by a large shark approximately 30 meters from shore. Emergency services responded immediately upon receiving the report.

A spokesperson for St Vincent’s Hospital said today that the woman sustained severe injuries to her left lower leg and both arms. Her condition has been upgraded to 'critical but stable'.

Following the incident, Coogee Beach and other beaches under the jurisdiction of Sydney's Randwick Council were closed for 24 hours. As part of emergency response measures, rescue personnel deployed drones for aerial patrols to search for shark activity.

Tara Moriarty, New South Wales Minister for Agriculture, stated: 'This summer has seen frequent shark activity and attacks around Sydney, creating a challenging situation. The New South Wales government is taking this matter very seriously and is responding with full preparedness.'

Moriarty added that the state government is considering new measures to protect swimmers from shark attacks, including the use of drones and other technological tools.

Lifesavers in Australia already use drones to assist in shark monitoring, but commercial drone operations at Coogee Beach are restricted due to its location beneath Sydney Airport’s flight path.

Following the attack, a spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) stated in a press release that authorities are exploring adjustments to current drone regulations. (Compiled by Chen Yuting) 1150614

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