An experienced surfer has died after a suspected shark attack at Long Reef Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Emergency crews were called shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday when reports came in that a man had suffered critical injuries while surfing about 100 meters from shore.
Fellow surfers managed to bring him back to the sand, but despite efforts to help, he died at the scene. Pieces of his surfboard were recovered for examination as authorities work to identify the species of shark involved.
Officials say the victim had been in the water with friends for only about half an hour before the incident. Beaches in the area have been closed for at least 24 to 72 hours as patrols monitor for further shark activity.
This tragedy follows Sydney’s last fatal shark attack in 2022. Australia averages around 20 shark encounters each year, but deaths are rare, with fewer than one fatality annually over the past century.