Australia Shuts Beaches as Four Shark Attacks Rock NSW in 48 Hours

In‑Depth News Report

Australia’s eastern coastline is on high alert after four shark attacks were recorded within a span of 48 hours, prompting authorities to close dozens of beaches and issue urgent warnings to swimmers and surfers. The incidents, all reported across New South Wales (NSW), have left two people critically injured and sparked renewed concerns about marine safety.

🌊 A Rapid Series of Attacks

According to Surf Life Saving NSW and police reports, the attacks occurred between Sunday afternoon and Tuesday morning, affecting beaches from Sydney Harbour to the Mid North Coast.

• Sunday, 4:20 pm – Shark Beach, Vaucluse:
  A 12‑year‑old boy suffered severe leg injuries after being bitten while jumping from a six‑metre rock ledge into brackish water. Police described the scene as “horrendous,” noting that the boy is now “fighting for his life.”
• Monday, late morning – Dee Why Beach:
  An 11‑year‑old surfer escaped uninjured after a shark bit through the middle of his surfboard, leaving a 15‑centimetre bite mark. The beach had already been closed due to rough surf conditions.
• Monday, 6:20 pm – North Steyne, Manly:
  A 27‑year‑old surfer was pulled from the water by bystanders after suffering catastrophic leg injuries. He remains in critical condition after emergency surgery and is receiving multiple blood transfusions.
• Tuesday morning – Point Plomer, Mid North Coast:
  A 39‑year‑old surfer sustained minor injuries after a shark bit his board and wetsuit. He managed to reach shore and was later treated at Kempsey District Hospital.

Bull Sharks Suspected

Marine experts and NSW’s Department of Primary Industries suggest that bull sharks were likely responsible for all four incidents. Heavy rainfall in recent days has created murky, brackish water, conditions known to attract bull sharks closer to shore in search of food.

🚫 Beaches Closed, Public Warned

Authorities have closed beaches across Sydney’s northern coastline and parts of the Mid North Coast, urging the public to avoid the ocean entirely until conditions improve.

Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, issued a stark warning:

“If anyone’s thinking of heading into the surf this morning, think again. The water quality is extremely poor and conducive to bull shark activity.”

Drone surveillance, jet skis, and electronic drumlines have been deployed to monitor shark movement and ensure public safety.

🌧️ Why Now? Experts Explain

Scientists point to a combination of factors:

• Heavy rainfall flushes debris and fish into the ocean
• Reduced visibility in coastal waters
• Increased shark feeding activity near river mouths

Dr. Culum Brown of Macquarie University noted that such conditions significantly raise the risk of shark encounters and urged the public to stay out of the water until the ocean clears.