A man in his 20s is in critical condition after a shark bite at Manly Beach in Sydney, marking the third shark incident at Sydney beaches in the past two days.
Recent Shark Attacks in Sydney
The man was treated by New South Wales Ambulance officers and transported to Royal North Shore hospital on Monday evening. According to NSW police, members of the public provided first aid until emergency services arrived. All beaches on the Northern Beaches are closed until further notice, with police stating the closures will be continually reviewed.
The attack follows an incident earlier Monday at Dee Why beach, where an 11-year-old surfer’s board was bitten by a shark. The surfer was unharmed. Just one day prior, a 12-year-old boy was attacked while swimming in Sydney’s east at Nielsen Park and remains hospitalized with critical injuries.
Shark biologists from the primary industries department believe a bull shark was responsible for the 15cm bite mark on the surfer’s board at Dee Why. The shark net at Dee Why was in place at the time of the attack, however, the beach was closed due to large swells and dangerous surf conditions.
Authorities are urging caution, particularly in murky waters. Police specifically advised against swimming in Sydney’s harbor or other NSW river systems following heavy rainfall over the weekend. Heavy swell has also hampered the operation of smart drumlines, which are used to detect shark activity along the NSW coast.
The 13-year-old injured on Sunday underwent surgery and remains in critical condition at Randwick children’s hospital. He was with friends jumping off a six-metre rock when the attack occurred, and his friends bravely pulled him from the water and called for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What species of shark is believed to be responsible for the attacks?
Initial reports suggest a bull shark was likely responsible for the bite on the surfer’s board at Dee Why, and the primary industries department is working to identify the species involved in the other attacks.
What is being done to address the situation?
All Northern Beaches are closed until further notice. Lifeguards are patrolling, and Surf Life Saving NSW deployed a drone to assist with investigation. Police are urging people to avoid swimming in murky waters.
Were any safety measures already in place at the beaches?
The shark net at Dee Why beach was set as normal, but the beach was closed due to dangerous surf conditions. Smart drumlines, which provide shark alerts, have been impacted by heavy swell.
Given the recent series of incidents, what factors might be contributing to increased shark activity in the Sydney area?
