Surge in Shark Attacks in Sydney: Three Incidents in Just 24 Hours

Tue Jan 20 2026 00:31:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a worrying trend, Sydney has witnessed three shark attacks in just over a day, leading to serious injuries among beachgoers. Authorities are urging caution as investigations continue.

Sydney has been hit by a series of shark attacks, with three incidents reported within a 24-hour window. A man was critically injured at Manly Beach after being bitten by a shark, following a previous attack on a 12-year-old boy at Shark Beach who is currently in intensive care. Authorities have temporarily closed all beaches in the area as investigations into the incidents are underway.

Three shark attacks have been reported in Sydney in a little over 24 hours, leaving at least two people seriously injured, according to local authorities.

A man was taken to hospital in critical condition after being injured at Manly Beach on Monday evening, New South Wales Police said in a statement.

Hours earlier, an 11-year-old surfer had to be rescued off Sydney's Dee Why Beach after a suspected shark bit his surfboard, prompting local council to urge swimmers and surfers to exercise caution.

The first incident involved a 12-year-old boy who was attacked by a large shark while swimming in Sydney Harbour on Sunday afternoon. His group of friends had been jumping off a six-metre rock ledge at Shark Beach when the attack occurred.

Notably, shark attacks are quite rare at Shark Beach, a popular swimming location. The boy was pulled from the water by his friends, which police emphasized likely saved his life. As of now, he remains in intensive care.

The actions of his mates have been nothing but brave. [It was] a gallant recovery, stated Joseph McNulty, leader of New South Wales' marine area command.

Rescue crews arrived at what McNulty described as a horrendous scene, administering first-aid measures to the boy as they transported him by police speedboat to awaiting ambulance services.

Authorities believe the boy was attacked by a bull shark, a species known for its aggressiveness and presence in warm, shallow waters, often regarded among the most dangerous species worldwide.

McNulty suggested that the recent heavy rainfall could have caused conditions favorable for shark sightings near shore, as these weather patterns flush nutrients into the water.

The third attack occurred in Sydney's Northern Beaches area, spurring police to close all local beaches until further notice. Emergency responders were called to North Steyne Beach on Monday evening, where a surfer was pulled from the water with serious leg injuries and transported to the hospital.

Australia, home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, paradoxically experiences a high frequency of shark attacks. In the past year alone, there were at least five fatal shark attacks reported across the country.