Fatal shark attack closes Sydney beaches as authorities try to catch great white thought to be 10 feet long

Sydney authorities on Thursday deployed baited lines to try to catch a giant great white shark that killed an ocean swimmer, as beach communities in Australia's largest city were rocked by the first such attack in decades.

Drones scoured the ocean from the air, spotters launched on boats and six drum lines were set to try to catch the creature, which is believed to be at least 10 feet long.

Thirteen beaches across the city were closed Thursday, and swimmers' WhatsApp groups filled with graphic images of the attack and messages to check on whether friends were safe and well.