A shark has caused competitive swimmers to flee from the water during a triathlon in Busselton, Western Australia, this afternoon.
Most of the Ironman 70.3 competitors had already completed their 1.9km swim when the predator was seen 200m offshore just before midday.
Those who remained in the water were removed by Surf Life Saving WA and the beach was closed.
https://twitter.com/SLSWA/status/861068717978812417
Triathlon WA executive director Peter Minchin said less than 100 swimmers were brought to shore.
The team event, which began about an hour-and-a-half later, was reduced to a duathlon.
"There was initial frustration but they realised it was in the best interests of their safety," Mr Minchin said.