Navy divers concerned about sharks in Brisbane River

Francis Tapim - 

The Australian Navy says its divers are using special shark repelling equipment to protect them from attacks in the murky Brisbane River.

The divers are surveying the river to find and clear dangerous hazards to boating and shipping.

The Brisbane River is known for its bull sharks which are responsible for more fatal attacks around the world than any other species.

Commander Peter Tedman says the river is so dirty the divers can barely see more than 15 centimetres in front of them.

"We do have a very good piece of equipment called shark shield which puts up an electronic field around the diver so we wear that at all times," he said.

"We certainly stay out of the water at those peaks periods just before dawn and dusk."

Sarah Clarke

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