A man has been seriously injured in a shark attack at North Steyne Beach, the third such incident on Sydney beaches in just over 24 hours, prompting renewed concern along the city’s coastline.
Emergency services were called to the popular Manly beach shortly after 6pm on Monday after reports that a swimmer had been bitten in the water. Witnesses at the scene said bystanders rushed to help, pulling the man from the surf and onto the sand after he sustained a bite to his calf.
Paramedics treated the man at the beach before transporting him for further medical care. His condition has been described as serious, though authorities have not yet confirmed the full extent of his injuries. Officers from NSW Police and NSW Ambulance remained on scene into the evening as the area was secured and inquiries began.
The president of Surf Life Saving NSW, Steve Pearce, described the incident as “bad”, reflecting the growing unease among lifesavers following a string of shark encounters across Sydney’s beaches.
The Manly attack follows two earlier incidents that unfolded over the past day. On Sunday, a 12-year-old boy was critically injured at a harbour beach in Vaucluse after being attacked by a shark. He suffered severe injuries to both legs and remains in intensive care at Sydney Children’s Hospital, where doctors continue to monitor his condition.
Earlier on Monday, an 11-year-old boy narrowly escaped injury at Dee Why Beach when his surfboard was bitten by a shark just before lunchtime. Witnesses told police they saw damage to the board, prompting authorities to clear swimmers from the water as a precaution. Resources from the police marine area command were deployed to the scene, though NSW Ambulance said it was not required.
Following Monday evening’s attack at Manly, beachgoers were ordered out of the water around 6.30pm, with authorities warning that further closures may follow if shark activity remains elevated. The Northern Beaches Council and Surf Life Saving NSW have urged the public to heed safety advice, including swimming between the red and yellow flags and avoiding the water at dawn and dusk, when sharks are known to be more active.
Marine experts say shark sightings typically increase during warmer months, particularly when baitfish move closer to shore. However, three incidents in such a short period are rare and have heightened anxiety among residents and visitors alike during the peak summer season.
Authorities are continuing to review shark monitoring data and surveillance footage as they assess the situation across Sydney’s northern beaches and harbour. Further updates on the injured man’s condition are expected as more information becomes available.
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