A man in his 20s is in critical condition following a suspected shark attack at North Steyne Beach, Manly, on Monday evening. Emergency services, assisted by members of the public, pulled the man from the water and rushed him to Royal North Shore Hospital.
Authorities have closed all Northern Beaches swimming areas while they assess ongoing risks. Lifeguards and police are patrolling the waters, with drone and jet ski surveillance deployed to monitor for sharks.
This incident comes just hours after a separate shark encounter at Dee Why Beach, where an 11-year-old boy’s surfboard was bitten. Fortunately, the boy was unharmed.
Northern Beaches Council has urged the public to stay out of the ocean until further notice, warning that these incidents mark a period of heightened shark activity along the coast.
Residents and visitors are being asked to remain vigilant, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, and report any sightings of large sharks to authorities immediately.
