Drone patrols in NSW trigger hundreds of beach evacuations after shark sightings

Data released by the NSW Department of Primary Industries shows that drone patrols in July and August detected over 1,200 sharks, resulting in 360 actions like alarms, jet ski deployments and evacuations of popular beaches. Highlights included a two-metre great white observed near South Narrabeen, a four-metre bull shark spotted 50 metres offshore at Urunga, and a group of seven sharks chasing a whale at Lennox Head. The surveillance effort was launched after fatal shark attacks on a surfer at Dee Why and a 12-year-old in Vaucluse.

Premier Chris Minns met with victims' families and survivors, prompting a year-long drone program and a trial of AI for shark identification. The government will increase coverage to 97 beaches with 73 drones operating from early October through December, supported by a $120 million budget.