Surf Life Saving says there was nothing they could do when they arrived on the scene of a swimmer mauled to death in Sydney’s first fatal shark attack in almost 60 years.

The man suffered catastrophic injuries after being bitten and dragged under the water by the predator near Little Bay.

All beaches in the Randwick Local Government Area are closed for the day, as the search for the shark continues.

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce told Ben Fordham their helicopter was at the scene within minutes.

“When they arrived there was nothing they could do.”

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Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders told Ben Fordham SMART drumlines are being put in the location of the attack.

“They will be monitored throughout the day.”

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Image: Getty