SYDNEY – A man in his 50s was fatally attacked by a shark at a beach near Sydney, Australia, prompting authorities to close nearby beaches on Saturday as drones conducted searches for the predator.

Emergency responders reached Long Reef Beach shortly after 10 a.m. local time Saturday following reports of a man suffering critical injuries.

The man’s identity has yet to be confirmed. He was retrieved from the water and brought to shore but was pronounced dead at the scene. Two sections of a surfboard were found and are now under examination.

Police have closed the beach and are liaising with wildlife experts to determine the species of shark involved.

Nearby beaches have been closed pending further advice.

Witnesses say the victim was brought ashore by two fellow surfers and that distraught family members rushed to the scene.

Local surfer Bill Sakula told reporters at the beach he heard about the attack while preparing to leave for a morning surf.

“It’s going to send shockwaves through the community,” he said. “Everyone is going to be a little bit nervous for a while.”

Surf Life Saving NSW has deployed a drone to search for further shark activity.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man involved in this tragic event,” expressed the group’s chief executive, Steve Pearce, in a statement. He advised residents to avoid swimming in the nearby beaches.

The attack is thought to be the first in the state of New South Wales this year.

The last time a person was killed by a shark in Sydney was in February 2022. That was the city’s first fatal shark attack since 1963.

Shark nets were installed at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong on Monday as part of a seasonal program.