Surfer Dies in Shark Attack at Dee Why Beach, Sydney
Dee Why, NSW – A surfer has died after being attacked by a shark at Dee Why Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches this morning. The man sustained critical injuries in the attack, which occurred at Long Reef, and was pronounced dead at the scene after being brought ashore.
Police confirmed the victim was bitten by a “large shark.” Fragments of the surfer’s surfboard have been recovered and will be examined to aid in the investigation.Authorities have identified the shark as a great white.
Beaches between North Narrabeen and Manly are currently closed and will remain so for at least 24 hours as a precaution. Police are working with experts from the Department of Primary Industries to further understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. The surfer’s identity has not yet been released.
A junior surf competition was underway at nearby North Dee Why Beach at the time of the attack, tho it is currently unknown if the victim had any connection to the event.
Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) confirmed the surfer was with a group north of the Dee Why Beach lifeguard tower. SLSNSW lifeguards are actively preventing public access to the water, and drone operators are scanning the coastline for any further shark activity.
“Our deepest condolences go to the family of the man involved in this terrible tragedy,” said Steve Pearce, CEO of SLSNSW. “Volunteers will continue to assist Council and authorities to protect the public from further danger in any way we can. For now, please remain clear of the water at beaches in the vicinity and follow the direction of lifeguards and lifesavers.”
Fatal shark attacks in Sydney are extremely rare. This incident marks only the second recorded fatality in the past 60 years; the previous fatal attack occurred in 1963.
