Four Shark Attacks in 48 Hours Prompt Beach Closures on Australia’s East Coast

Overview

• Officials logged four shark incidents in under two days, prompting closures across northern Sydney and nearby coasts that Surf Life Saving NSW described as unprecedented.
• A 12-year-old was mauled at Nielsen Park on Sunday, suffering severe injuries to both legs before aquatic police applied tourniquets and he was flown to Sydney Children’s Hospital in critical condition.
• On Monday night at Manly, 27-year-old surfer André de Ruyter sustained serious leg wounds and was taken to hospital after beachgoers gave first aid.
• Earlier Monday at Dee Why, an 11-year-old surfer reached shore uninjured after a shark bit his board; patrols deployed drones, jet skis and maritime units and closed beaches for up to 48 hours.
• A fourth case Tuesday near Point Plomer left a 39-year-old with minor injuries as fisheries analyze evidence to identify the species, with scientists saying bull sharks are likely given recent heavy rains and turbid water.