Fatal Shark Attack Claims Life in Dee Why, Sydney's Northern Beaches

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A seasoned surfer has passed away on Sydney’s Northern Beaches following an attack by what NSW Police refer to as a “large” shark.

While the man’s name has not yet been released, police confirmed he leaves behind a wife and a young daughter, noting the tragedy’s timing is especially poignant with Father’s Day tomorrow.

Emergency services responded to Long Reef Beach in Dee Why, north of Manly, shortly after 10am on Saturday, after receiving reports that a man had sustained severe injuries.

The 57-year-old was surfing in a group north of the lifeguard tower, outside the patrolled zone, according to Surf Life Saving NSW.

A ‘freak incident that happens very, very rarely’

Police said the man had gone surfing at around 9:30am and was with several of his friends around 100 metres off the beach when the attack occurred.

“His colleagues managed to make it back to the beach safely, and a short time later his body was found floating in the surf and a couple of other people went out and recovered it,” Superintendent John Duncan said at a 2pm press conference.

The man suffered “catastrophic injuries”, including the loss of a number of limbs and attempts to save his life were unsuccessful, Duncan added.

“I’ve got to say it’s a terrible, terrible thing and it’s one of those freak incidents that happens very, very rarely.”

People standing on sand, blue sky behind.

A crowd gathered at Long Reef Beach after a man was killed by a shark while surfing in an unpatrolled area. Credit: Hannah Kwon

Duncan said that, based on eye-witness accounts, police were “fairly confident” it was a shark but were unsure of what type of shark it was.

The Department of Primary Industries would be the key agency tasked with locating the shark and working out what to do next, he added. Two sections of a surfboard have been recovered and taken for expert examination.

A Department of Primary Industries spokesperson said the department is assisting the response.

“NSW government shark biologists will assess photographs of the incident to determine the species of shark involved,” they said.

Beaches to be closed for at least 24 hours

Beaches from Manly to Narrabeen were likely to remain closed for at least 24 hours, Sydney Northern Beaches Surf Life Saving president Rod McGibbon said.

Dee Why beach could be closed for 48 to 72 hours, he said, adding that Surf Life Saving NSW had deployed a drone and jet skis to search for signs of shark activity.

Surf Life Saving CEO Steve Pearce said nearby clubs had cancelled all training and water activities for the weekend.

“Our deepest condolences go to the family of the man involved in this terrible tragedy,” he said.

A rescue truck is parked on a sunny beach, with a crowd of people gathered around a nearby tent. In the background, waves are crashing on the shore and a headland is visible in the distance.

Witnesses said the victim was brought ashore by two fellow surfers and that distraught loved ones rushed to the scene. Source: SBS News / Hannah Kwon

“For now, please remain clear of the water at beaches in the vicinity and follow the direction of lifeguards and lifesavers.”

The Northern Beaches Council also expressed its “deepest condolences” for the man’s family and friends and advised beachgoers to check its website for beach closures in the coming days.

“We express our gratitude to everyone involved in this incident for their rapid and professional response, including beachgoers, first responders, lifeguards, Surf Life Saving volunteers, police, and paramedics,” the council stated.

‘Everyone is going to be a little bit nervous’

Local surfer Bill Sakula told reporters at the beach he heard about the attack while preparing to leave for a morning surf.

“It’s going to send shockwaves through the community,” he said.

“Everyone is going to be a little bit nervous for a while.”

Dee Why is a popular spot on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and a junior surf tournament was being held at Long Reef Beach on Saturday morning.

On the northern beaches, the last known fatal attack was at North Narrabeen, 90 years ago.

Shark nets were installed at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong on Monday as part of a seasonal program.

The NSW government has initiated a trial to lessen the use of shark nets, inviting three councils, among them Northern Beaches Council, to choose a beach where nets might be removed.

Long Reef Beach does not have a shark net but nearby Dee Why Beach does.

Additional shark alert drumlines were deployed in the area on Saturday between Dee Why and Long Reef beaches.

An earlier version of this story reported that NSW Police Inspector Stuart Thomson spoke at a 2pm press conference. It has now been corrected to Superintendent John Duncan.

With additional reporting from the Australian Associated Press.