In the wake of the storms over the weekend, multiple shark sightings and attacks have occurred at beaches across NSW including two on the Northern Beaches, resulting in the closure of all local beaches for at least the next 48 hours.
Most ocean beaches, with the exception of Palm Beach, had been closed over the weekend and into the beginning of the week due to dangerous surf conditions following storms.
The first sighting and attack happened yesterday (Monday 19 January) during the day at Dee Why Beach, where a bite was taken out of a surfboard allegedly belonging to an 11-year-old boy but, according to authorities, nobody was injured. At the time, Northern Beaches Council lifeguards ‘lifeguards immediately sounded the alarm, erected shark warning signage and dispensed a jet ski to patrol the waters,’ as per shark siting protocols.
Around 6:20pm of the same day, emergency services were called to the scene of a second attack, where a man was in critical condition after being bitten by a shark and pulled from the water by members of the public. The man, currently reported as being in his 20’s, was treated for serious leg injuries by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital.
All beaches on the Northern Beaches were immediately closed until further notice, to be reviewed on an ongoing basis after Wednesday 22 January.
Local politicians have expressed their shock and well wishes for all those involved in the attack.
“Many are still grieving the loss of Mecury Psillakis and we are all shocked this can have happened again so soon on our beaches,” said Mayor Sue Heins. “A huge thank you to the first responders at the scene, to our off duty lifeguards, and to the incredible local community and board riders who rushed without hesitation to provide assistance.”
Federal MPs Dr Sophie Scamps and Zali Steggall, as well as state MPs Michael Regan and Tim James, have all made statements expressing their condolences and warning people to be safe in the water.