Overview

• The victim, described by police as an experienced surfer and father, was with friends near the Long Reef–Dee Why stretch around 9:30 a.m. when he was bitten about 100 meters from shore.
• Fellow surfers pulled him from the water with catastrophic injuries and multiple limbs lost, and he died at the scene despite rapid emergency response.
• Police recovered two sections of the surfboard for expert examination as DPIRD biologists assess photographs; the species has not been confirmed.
• Beaches from Manly to Narrabeen are closed, with Dee Why expected to remain shut for 48–72 hours as authorities maintain heightened safety measures.
• SMART drumlines have been deployed off Dee Why, drones and a helicopter are conducting patrols, and Surf Life Saving NSW has canceled nearby water activities and urged people to stay out of the water.