Shark sighting forces popular lake closure

A popular lake in the Northern Territory has been closed following a possible shark sighting

Lake Alexander at East Point Reserve was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure, the City of Darwin confirmed.

“We received an unconfirmed report from a member of the public regarding the suspected sighting of a small shark,” a statement read.

“City of Darwin teams are working to verify the accuracy of the reported sighting.

“In the interest of public safety, the lake has been closed until it can be thoroughly searched, and signage has been put up around the lake advising of the closure.”

NT Fisheries is also involved in the investigation.

In a subsequent statement, a City of Darwin spokesperson said Lake Alexander would remain closed while NT Fisheries deployed gill nets and long lines.

“Anything that is caught will be released back into the ocean,” they said.

“We expect to have an update tomorrow.”