A spate of four shark attacks in New South Wales within 48 hours has left even seasoned surfers and beachgoers shaken, with three incidents occurring in Sydney alone. The attacks have prompted beach closures and event cancellations, as experts point to murky water from pollution as a likely factor.
On Sunday, a 12-year-old boy was critically injured after being bitten at a harbour beach in Vaucluse. The following day, an 11-year-old's surfboard was bitten multiple times at Dee Why, and a 27-year-old man was bitten while surfing at Manly, less than 5km away. A fourth attack occurred at Point Plomer on the mid-north coast, where a 39-year-old man was bitten.
Big wave surfer and coach Matt Chojnacki, who left Sydney seeking safer waves, described the incidents as alarming. 'At the moment, I’m less scared of surfing the biggest waves in the world than I am of shark attacks on my local beaches,' he said. 'No one’s surfing today. I’ve cancelled everything.'
Rob Harcourt, emeritus professor of marine ecology at Macquarie University, noted that murky water from heavy rainfall is associated with increased shark activity. 'If you can’t see what’s happening in the water, that’s a good sign not to go in,' he advised. At least 28 beaches remain closed in Sydney, with others shut along the mid-north coast.
The attacks have led to the cancellation of major swimming events, including the Big Swim at Whale Beach and the Sydney Harbour Splash. The Cole Classic in Manly remains scheduled but with enhanced surveillance, including additional drones. Surf Life Saving NSW has urged beachgoers to avoid unsafe beaches and consider using local pools instead.
