Additional Coverage:
Sydney Surfer Killed in Rare Shark Attack
Tragedy struck a popular Sydney beach on Saturday when a 57-year-old surfer was killed in a shark attack. The man, described as an experienced surfer with a wife and young daughter, was surfing with friends off Long Reef and Dee Why beaches when the attack occurred.
According to New South Wales police superintendent John Duncan, the victim lost “a number of limbs” in the attack and disappeared underwater with his board. His body was later found floating in the surf. Fellow surfers brought him to shore, but resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful due to significant blood loss.
Witnesses reported seeing a large shark in the area. Authorities will examine the remains of the surfboard and the victim’s body to determine the shark species involved. Nearby beaches were closed for at least 24 hours following the incident, with drones and surf lifesavers patrolling the waters.
Fatal shark attacks are uncommon. This incident marks Sydney’s first fatal shark attack since 2022 and only the second since 1963. While Australia has a history of shark encounters, with over 1,280 incidents recorded since 1791, including over 250 fatalities, such tragedies remain relatively rare.