Drones to patrol New York beaches after spate of shark sightings

The region has recorded a worrying number of shark sightings in recent days (Picture: AP)Drones are sweeping over the ocean off the coast of New York’s Long Island to patrol the waters for any danger following a recent spate of human encounters with sharks. ‘We are now more vigilant than ever,’ said George Gorman, the state’s park director in Long Island. Last year, eight people reported being bitten by sharks swimming in the shallows off Long Island’s beaches. ‘With New Yorkers and visitors alike preparing to enjoy our beautiful Long Island beaches all summer long, their safety is our top priority,’ Ms Hochul said in May. ‘This year we are taking further action to protect beach-goers by increasing surveillance to monitor for shark activity near beaches off the South Shore.’An increase in shark sightings might suggest a healthier ecosystem, some say.