A surfer is in critical condition after being attacked by a shark at North Steyne Beach in Manly, Sydney's northern suburbs. The victim has been identified as Andre de Ruyter, a 27-year-old musician from Wollongong who had travelled to Manly for the day.
The attack occurred at approximately 6.20pm on Monday. Mr de Ruyter suffered catastrophic injuries to his lower leg and was in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived. He was pulled to shore by surf lifesavers and members of the public, who applied a tourniquet before emergency services arrived.
First responders treated him on the sand before he was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. He received 13 units of blood during emergency surgery, with additional blood supplies delivered by Highway Patrol officers en route to the hospital.
NSW Ambulance acting-Superintendent Christie Marks praised the coordinated response, which included an off-duty NSW Ambulance doctor who was swimming at the beach at the time. 'Everything that the people have done together and the agencies that have worked together is the best chance of survival for this patient,' she said.
A 15cm bite mark on Mr de Ruyter's surfboard suggests he was most likely attacked by a bull shark, according to shark biologists from the primary industries department. Northern Beaches Council lifeguards erected shark warning signs and dispatched a jet ski to patrol the water, while Surf Life Saving NSW launched a drone to assist with locating the shark. No further sightings have been reported.
This was the third shark attack in NSW waters in recent days, with a fourth attack occurring on Tuesday. The incident has prompted renewed calls for increased shark mitigation measures along the coast.
