Additional Coverage:
Shark Attacks Close Sydney Beaches After Two Critical Incidents in 24 Hours
SYDNEY, Australia – Waters off Sydney have become a scene of escalating concern after two separate shark attacks within a little over 24 hours left both victims in critical condition and prompted the closure of all Northern Beaches.
The most recent incident occurred Monday evening at approximately 6:20 p.m. AEDT, when a surfer, believed to be in his 20s, was bitten by a shark off North Steyne Beach in Manly.
Members of the public quickly pulled the injured man from the water and administered first aid before emergency services arrived. He was transported to Royal North Shore Hospital with serious leg injuries, where he remains in critical condition.
This attack follows a harrowing incident on Sunday afternoon, when a 12-year-old boy suffered severe injuries after being attacked by a shark while leaping from a 20-foot rock into the brackish waters of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, approximately 10 miles south of North Steyne Beach. The boy was rescued and rushed to Children’s Hospital in Randwick. Superintendent Joseph McNulty, commander of the NSW Police Marine Area Command, stated prior to Monday’s attack that the boy was “fighting for his life” and described the scene as “horrendous,” believing a bull shark was responsible for attacking his lower limbs.
In response to these alarming events, the New South Wales Police Force has announced the closure of all Northern Beaches until further notice, with ongoing reviews of the situation. Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins extended thoughts and wishes to the latest victim, acknowledging the community’s shock following the attacks, especially after the death of 57-year-old Mercury Psillakis in a shark attack just last September. Mayor Heins confirmed that all Northern Beaches will remain closed through at least Wednesday.