Hunt for wounded shark that killed Australian teen

A shark that killed an Australian teenager and was shot at by his friend was being hunted on Tuesday (30/12/2014) on the country's south-western coast.

Attack victim Jay Muscat, 17, was spearfishing with his friend when the pair were attacked off Cheynes Beach, about 400 kilometres south-east of Perth, broadcaster ABC and local media reported.

Muscat was confirmed dead after he was pulled ashore.

His friend, who reportedly did not suffer serious injuries, fired a spear gun into the shark's mouth during the attack, local authorities said.

"The shark may be injured so we are going to have a look to see if we can find the shark if that is the case," Department of Fisheries spokesman Rick Fletcher was quoted as saying.

If it is found, the shark, thought to be a great white, will be killed according to the local government's "serious threat" policy intended to reduce shark attacks. - Sapa-dpa