A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday, September 6, 2025, when a suspected “large shark” mauled a surfer to death in a rare fatal attack off Australia’s Sydney beach.
The victim, still unidentified, was pulled out of the Pacific surf onto shore at northern Sydney’s Long Reef Beach but died at the scene.
According to eyewitnesses, the man was surfing with friends when the attack happened just 100 meters from the shore.
The surfer, reportedly in his 50s and an experienced surfer, lost both his legs in the attack, while his surfboard was cut in half.
“Four or five surfers pulled him out of the water and it looked like a significant part of his lower half had been attacked,” an unnamed surfer said, according to Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.
New South Wales police superintendent John Duncan described the scene, stating the man had lost “a number of limbs”.
Following the incident, beaches between the northern suburbs of Manly and Narrabeen were closed for at least 24 hours.
Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce urged the public to remain clear of the water, saying, “for now, please remain clear of the water at beaches in the vicinity and follow the direction of lifeguards and lifesavers.” Surf life-saving clubs nearby have canceled all water activities and training for the weekend.¹
This incident marks only the second deadly shark attack in Sydney since 1963, with the previous fatal attack occurring in February 2022, when 35-year-old British diving instructor Simon Nellist was killed off Little Bay.
Authorities are working with experts to identify the species of shark involved, with government experts set to examine the remains of the surfboard and the man’s body.
Australia has experienced a total of four fatal shark attacks in 2025, including incidents in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. According to a database of shark encounters, there have been at least 1,280 shark incidents around Australia since 1791, resulting in over 250 fatalities.
Shark Attack Statistics in Australia
Australia experiences a significant number of shark attacks each year, with varying outcomes.
Over the last decade, there have been an average of 20 shark incidents annually, resulting in 2.8 fatalities and seven non-injury incidents. In 2023, four fatal shark bites were reported in Australia.
To put this into perspective, Surf Life Saving Australia recorded 125 coastal drowning deaths, and there were 1,266 fatalities on Australian roads over the same period.
Common Shark Species Involved in Attacks
- White Sharks: Also known as Great Whites, they’re the most frequently reported species involved in unprovoked attacks in Australia.
- Bull Sharks: Known for their aggressive behavior, Bull Sharks are another common species linked to attacks.
- Tiger Sharks: These sharks are also frequently implicated in incidents, particularly in Australian waters.
- Bronze Whaler Sharks: This species has been identified in several incidents, including a recent attack on a surfer.
Understanding shark behavior and habitats can help minimize encounters. Key factors contributing to shark attacks include:
- Location: Areas with known shark activity, such as coastal waters with bait fish.
- Time of Day: Sharks are more active during dawn and dusk when prey is more abundant.
- Activity: Surfing, swimming, and diving increase the likelihood of encounters.
By being aware of these factors and taking necessary precautions, individuals can reduce their risk of shark encounters while enjoying Australia’s beautiful beaches and coastal waters.