Overview

• The 57-year-old, an experienced surfer, was attacked about 100 meters off Long Reef and died from catastrophic blood loss after being brought ashore.
• Beaches from Manly to Narrabeen remain closed while helicopters, drones and boats conduct patrols, and baited buoys have been deployed to detect and tag sharks.
• Investigators recovered the victim’s torn surfboard, and government biologists reviewing board damage and photos say a 3.4–3.6 meter great white is the likely culprit.
• Authorities say this is Sydney’s first fatal shark attack since 2022, with Australia recording only one shark fatality last year in national data.
• Scientists report warming coastal waters are extending the time dangerous species spend near the city, with a study finding roughly 15 extra summer days compared with 15 years ago.