Lake Alexander reopens after reported shark sighting

A popular Territory swimming hole will reopen to the public after the mysterious beast in its depths was caught.

Popular swimming hole Lake Alexander has been closed to the public. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lake Alexander will reopen to the public after the mysterious beast spotted lurking in its depths was reeled in.

The popular swimming and recreation spot was closed on Tuesday a member of the public reported a shark sighting.

NT Fisheries helped with the investigation extending gill nets and long lines in an effort to find the beast dubbed the Loch Alexander Monster 3.0.

However, instead of a shark they found a large milkfish and mullets in the water.

A City of Darwin spokesperson confirmed the fish had all been safely removed.

“City of Darwin can confirm that NT Fisheries found large milkfish and mullets in Lake Alexander, which have now been safely removed,” they said.

“Lake Alexander will reopen to the public today (Wednesday).”

It is not the first time a milkfish has been mistaken for a shark at the East Point Reserve location because of their vertical fins.

The lake was closed for two weeks in April 2022 when a milkfish, as well as a couple of barramundi, was caught.

Lake Alexander closed after reported shark sighting

The popular Lake Alexander has been closed as a precautionary measure after a shark was spotted lurking in its depths.

The Darwin Council said it received an unconfirmed report from a member of the public who believed they saw a small shark in the lake.

A City of Darwin spokesperson said they were working to verify the accuracy of the reported sighting.

NT Fisheries will be involved in the investigation.

“Lake Alexander will remain closed while NT Fisheries deploy gill nets and long lines in the Lake,” a spokesperson said.

“Anything that is caught will be released back into the ocean.

“We expect to have an update on Wednesday.”

Lake Alexander has been closed to the public following a suspected shark sighting. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In the interest of public safety, the lake has been closed until it can be thoroughly searched, and signage has been put up around the lake advising of the closure.

“City of Darwin will work closely with NT Fisheries to investigate the matter and the public will be advised when the lake is reopened,” the spokesperson said.

“In the meantime, the lake remains closed and is not to be used for any water activities.”

It’s not the first time the East Point Reserve location has been shut down because of a possible shark sighting.

The creature dubbed the Loch Alexander Monster originally surfaced in August 2009 as an unidentified fish which bit a women bathing in the lake.

The lake had to be closed to the public again in April 2022 when a mystery beast thought to be a 1m shark was spotted.

However, after a dredging operation by NT Fisheries it was found to not be just one fish but four, as two milkfish and two barramundi were found to be the culprits.