Shark sighting prompts evacuation of Gold Coast beach

A shark sighting on Australia Day has forced the evacuation of a Gold Coast beach.

Surfers Paradise beach was closed by lifesavers about 10.45am on Tuesday.

“There was confirmed sighting of a shark attacking a pool of bait fish,” a Surf Life Saving Queensland spokeswoman said.

“Lifesavers immediately evacuated the water and sent IRBs [inflatable rescue boats] and waverunners out to search for the shark.

“The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter was tasked to do a final patrol to give the all-clear that the shark had moved on from the beach.”

The beach reopened about 11.35am.

The SLSQ spokeswoman previously said the beach was evacuated after a pod of dolphins was spotted offshore with a shark among them. These details were later updated.