3.5-metre 'bull shark' caught off NSW South Coast

A large shark has been brought ashore in Wollongong, three days after a surfer was attacked in waters off Kiama, on the NSW South Coast.

Four men try to lift a large shark - thought to be a bull shark - into a ute at Austinmer, Wollongong. Photo: Angela Thompson

Fishermen offloaded the shark near the Austinmer boat ramp on Headlands Avenue, about 8am on Saturday.

Fishermen attempt to shield the shark from sight. Photo: Angela Thompson

Unconfirmed reports suggest it was a bull shark, about 3.5 metres long.

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Five men worked together to lift the lifeless creature onto the back of a ute and to shield the sight from onlookers and the Illawarra Mercury's camera.

"They've got to go in the water," said one of the men, pointing to a group of junior lifesavers. "They don't need to see this."

With the shark loaded in the ute, the men prepare to depart. Photo: Angela Thompson

Where the shark was caught, and in what circumstances, is unknown.

Kiama surfer Brett Connellan was badly injuredin an attack at Bombo Beach on Wednesday evening when a shark bit off a large chunk of his thigh.

The attack prompted two days of beach closures and surveillance by council authorities and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

A department spokeswoman said the activity at Austinmer on Saturday was unrelated to its search efforts surrounding the attack at Kiama.

"NSWDPI Shark Meshing Program contractors have not retrieved any sharks from the South Coast area today," the spokeswoman said.

"Following a shark attack, NSWDPI works with NSW Police to determine what action should be taken to minimise any ongoing risk.

"DPI Fisheries staff conducted patrols of the area around Bombo Beach on Thursday, in conjunction with NSW Police and Surf Lifesaving. No shark was spotted."

Beaches around Kiama were reopened on Saturday morning.

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