SYDNEY, Sept 6 — A quiet morning at Long Reef Beach in northern Sydney turned into a scene of heartbreak today as a man lost his life in a suspected shark attack — the first fatal incident of its kind in the city since 2022.
The man, whose identity has not yet been made public, was pulled from the surf by fellow beachgoers after reports of a large shark in the area. Despite their desperate efforts and swift response from emergency services, he could not be saved. Authorities confirmed that he died on the beach from critical injuries, believed to have been inflicted by a large shark.
Fragments of the man’s surfboard were recovered and taken for forensic analysis as investigators piece together the tragic incident.
This marks the first fatal shark attack in Sydney since British diving instructor Simon Nellist, 35, was killed off Little Bay in 2022. Before that, the city hadn’t witnessed such a tragedy since 1963.
Local authorities responded quickly, closing beaches along the northern stretch from Manly to Narrabeen — a precautionary move as they continue to assess the area for further danger.
One unnamed surfer who had been nearby during the incident recounted the horrifying moments that followed.
“There were about four or five surfers who pulled him from the water,” the surfer told The Daily Telegraph. “It looked like a significant part of his lower half had been attacked.”
He recalled a surf lifesaving crew member waving a red flag, urging everyone out of the water. “At first, I didn’t know what it was about… but I just thought, I should probably get to shore.”
Beachgoers are still reeling from the shock, as the Northern Beaches community comes to terms with a loss that has left many shaken and grieving.
Authorities continue to monitor the coastline and are urging everyone to avoid the water until further notice.
