A surfer has been injured in the fourth shark attack in under 48 hours along Australia’s New South Wales coastline, heightening fears among swimmers and prompting widespread beach closures.
The latest incident happened early Tuesday near Crescent Head, about 450km north of Sydney, when a 39-year-old man was bitten by a shark that tore through his surfboard. He suffered minor cuts and was taken to hospital in stable condition.
Authorities believe bull sharks were involved in several of the recent encounters — a species known for moving between saltwater and freshwater and for being more active in murky, rain-affected conditions.
A rapid cluster of attacks
The Crescent Head incident followed three shark encounters around Sydney in the past two days:
- Vaucluse (Sunday): A 12-year-old boy was critically injured at Shark Beach in Sydney Harbour after jumping into brackish water from rocks. Friends pulled him from the water and administered first aid before emergency crews arrived.
- Dee Why (Monday): A young surfer escaped injury when a shark took a large bite from his board.
- Manly – North Steyne (Monday): A 27-year-old surfer suffered severe leg injuries and remains in hospital with what authorities described as life-changing injuries.
On Tuesday morning, the fourth incident occurred near Point Plomer campground, where the surfboard again appeared to absorb much of the impact, sparing the surfer from more serious harm.
Why conditions are raising the risk
Officials say recent heavy rainfall has created what police described as a “perfect storm environment” for shark encounters.
Runoff from rivers pushes nutrients into coastal waters, attracting fish — and in turn, sharks — while also reducing visibility. Bull sharks, which tolerate low-salinity water, are particularly drawn to these conditions.
Police have urged the public to stay out of rivers, harbours and murky coastal waters, warning that visibility is currently poor across much of NSW.
Beaches closed, patrols intensified
All Sydney northern beaches remain closed as a precaution. Authorities have stepped up surveillance, deploying:
- Jet-ski patrols and lifeguards
- Aerial monitoring using drones and helicopters
- Additional smart drumlines near Manly, Dee Why and Mona Vale
Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said surfers involved in two of the attacks were “very fortunate” to escape with their lives.
“We strongly advise people not to swim or surf near river mouths,” he said. “If the water is dirty, think twice before going in.”
What authorities are advising now
Police and lifesaving officials are urging residents and visitors to:
- Avoid swimming or surfing in murky or low-visibility water
- Stay away from river mouths and harbours, especially after heavy rain
- Follow local beach closure notices and shark-sighting warnings
For now, experts say patience is key — waiting for water clarity to improve could significantly reduce the risk as conditions stabilise along the NSW coast.
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