Tourist warning amid giant shark fears

A GIANT shark that could be up to 6m long has sent shockwaves across Australian beaches after a great white shark was nearly bitten in half.

Tourists holidaying in the state of Queensland have been warned to stay out of the water by authorities who fear a giant shark might be prowling the coast.

Concerns were raised after a 3m great white was found dead with two huge bites taken out of its body.

Experts believe the bites were made by an even larger predatory fish that may be 6m long, judging by the size of the bites.

The great white was savaged after it got snared on a drum line — a baited hook attached to a buoy — near Stradbroke Island, north of Brisbane.

The wounded creature was still alive when a crew hauled it onto a boat, close to Deadman’s Beach.

“It certainly opened up my eyes. I mean, the shark that was caught is a substantial shark in itself,” Queensland Fisheries’ Jeff Krause told Australia’s Daily Telegraph.

Swimmers have been warned to stay out of the water near the island.

The attack also worried many at a nearby tourist Mecca — Surfers Paradise, south of Brisbane.

“Whatever attacked and took chunks out of this big shark must be massive,” said surfer Ashton Smith, 19. “I’ve heard about the big one that’s lurking out there somewhere. We’re all being very, very cautious.”

Drum lines and shark nets are used to defend swimmers from sea predators, but these have been criticised for occasionally trapping migrating whales.

Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said the capture of the bitten shark, and the indication of a larger one feeding in the area, bolstered the decision to keep defences in place.