Three Shark Attacks in 26 Hours Rock Sydney Beaches, Two Victims in Critical Condition

Sydney has been hit by a string of shark attacks in less than 26 hours, leaving two people in critical condition and forcing authorities to close beaches across the city’s northern coastline.

The first incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in Sydney Harbour, where a 12-year-old boy was seriously injured after being bitten while jumping from a popular rock ledge. Police believe the shark involved was likely a bull shark, drawn closer to shore by brackish water caused by recent heavy rainfall.

Within 24 hours, an 11-year-old boy surfing at Dee Why Point reported his board was bitten by a shark. The boy escaped unharmed, but authorities said the bite mark suggested another bull shark may have been involved.

The third attack happened later on Monday evening at North Steyne Beach in Manly, where a 25-year-old man suffered severe leg injuries and remains in critical condition in hospital.

Harbour Attack Described as ‘Horrendous’

The first victim, who is being treated at Sydney Children’s Hospital, was pulled from the water by friends after the shark struck his lower limbs. Police Marine Commander Superintendent Joseph McNulty described the scene as “horrendous” and praised the quick actions of the boy’s friends.

Emergency responders applied tourniquets to stem heavy bleeding before the boy was transferred to a police boat and rushed to shore, where police officers performed CPR.

Authorities said the boys had been leaping from a six-metre rock into water that had become brackish after the weekend’s rainfall, which may have attracted sharks closer to shore.

Second Attack Leaves Only Surfboard Damaged

The attack at Dee Why Point involved an 11-year-old surfer whose board was bitten but who was not injured. The NSW Department of Primary Industries said the bite, about 15cm (six inches) long, was likely caused by a bull shark.

Manly Attack Sparks Beach Closures

The third incident, at North Steyne Beach, saw a 25-year-old man seriously injured in the leg. He was treated by paramedics and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Authorities have closed all beaches on Sydney’s Northern Beaches until further notice, with officials saying the situation will be reviewed regularly.

The attacks come during Australia’s summer school break, when beaches are crowded with families and young swimmers.