A team of Australian vets have pulled off a dramatic rescue operation on a wounded shark.

The three-metre long grey nurse shark was spotted off Julian Rocks near Byron Bay in New South Wales with a steel fishing hook lodged in its stomach.

The species is listed as critically endangered and the stricken animal was an elusive adult female.

Seaworld Diver Trevor Lond was given the job of lassoing the shark.

After it was caught, the shark was guided into a perspex tube and lifted to the surface, where vet David Blyde was given the task of removing the hook.

Thanks to his efforts, the shark was returned to the water following a delicate 45-minute operation.

Mr Blyde said: "As a veterinarian you often end up putting your hands in places that people find somewhat unattractive."

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