Drones with sirens to warn of sharks in Australia

Drones fitted with danger sirens will be used for the first time to warn people of approaching sharks, Australia's New South Wales (NSW) state government said on Thursday.

"Drones and helicopters have proved a very successful measure in protecting beachgoers -- last summer they spotted 571 dangerous sharks and assisted in saving two swimmers," NSW Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said in a statement.

"We are committed to doing all we can to protect beachgoers and one of the best ways we can do this during the busy school holidays is through our eyes in the sky."

Beginning on July 1, the northern NSW coast will be the first location to trial the world-first technology, as the area has suffered a substantial increase in shark attacks, reports Xinhua news agency.

Of the 26 shark attacks that occurred in Australia during 2016, 16 were in NSW.

The state has also launched an app called SharkSmart to update beachgoers of any breaking news at their local beach.

--IANS

ksk/vt