A 12-year-old boy is fighting for his life in hospital after a severe shark attack in Sydney Harbour, one of three frightening incidents to hit the city's coastline within a single day. Police have praised the "brave" actions of the boy's friends, who risked their own lives to pull him from the water.
A 'Perfect Storm' for a Predator
The attack occurred on Sunday afternoon near Shark Beach at Nielsen Park, just outside the area protected by shark nets. The boy had been jumping from a popular rock ledge with friends when he was bitten, suffering severe injuries to both legs.
New South Wales Police Marine Area Command Superintendent, Joe McNulty, said heavy rain and runoff had created dangerous conditions. "The harbour... is full of fresh water at the moment due to the amount of rain we’ve had," he explained. Police believe a combination of brackish water, fresh water, and the splashing may have created the "perfect storm" environment for the attack.
A police speedboat was fortunately nearby and reached the scene within minutes. Officers applied two tourniquets to the boy's legs to stem severe bleeding and performed CPR as he was rushed by boat to Rose Bay to meet waiting ambulance crews. The boy was unconscious and later required intubation to assist his breathing.
"The actions of his mates who've gone into the water and pulled him out have been nothing but brave," Superintendent McNulty stated. He described the emergency response as "extraordinary" and a "textbook recovery" that gave the boy a fighting chance.
A Spate of Incidents Sparks Alarm
This harrowing event was swiftly followed by two further shark encounters across Sydney's beaches, heightening concerns among authorities and the public.
On Monday morning, an 11-year-old boy surfing at Dee Why Beach had a lucky escape when a shark bit his surfboard several times, tearing a chunk from its mid-section. He was unharmed, but the beach was immediately closed, with lifeguards launching jet ski and drone patrols.
Later on Monday evening, the situation escalated further when a man was bitten by a shark at Manly Beach, leaving him in a critical condition. This marked the third shark attack in the city in just two days. Intensive care paramedics treated the man at the scene, with a helicopter deployed overhead.
Officials noted that heavy swell had prevented the operation of smart drumlines along much of the NSW coast, which are used for shark detection and management.
Authorities Issue Stern Safety Warnings
In the wake of the attacks, police and fisheries officials have urged extreme caution. While the species involved in the harbour attack has not been officially confirmed, it is suspected to be a bull shark.
The government's NSW SharkSmart programme confirmed that beaches near Nielsen Park, including Shark Bay Beach and Camp Cove, remain closed. A shark sighting in the area on Monday afternoon prompted further evacuations.
Authorities have issued a clear warning for people to avoid swimming in Sydney Harbour and nearby river systems while water visibility remains poor. They specifically advise against entering the water:
- After heavy rainfall.
- At dawn or dusk.
- In murky, low-visibility conditions.
- Near areas where fish are congregating.
While Australia has recorded 23 fatal shark attacks since 2020, experts consistently stress that the risk to individuals remains very low compared to the vast number of people who safely enter the ocean each year. However, the recent cluster of incidents serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers and the critical importance of heeding official safety advice.
