JUST IN: Sydney Rocked by THIRD Shark Attack in Just 26 Hours, with Disturbing Details Now Being Revealed
Sydney has been plunged into fear and disbelief as a third shark attack in under 26 hours has left the city reeling, prompting widespread beach closures, heightened patrols, and urgent warnings to stay out of the water. The spate of incidents, all suspected to involve bull sharks drawn into shallower, murkier waters by recent heavy rainfall, marks an unprecedented cluster of encounters along New South Wales (NSW) coastlines in mid-January 2026. Authorities describe the run as “unprecedented,” with Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce stating, “We have not seen this before.”
@7newsaustralia There has been another shark attack in Sydney, this time at Manly. A surfer is in a critical condition after being mauled yesterday evening, marking the third shark attack in just two days. #sharkattack #shark #surfer #beach #manly
The timeline of terror unfolded rapidly:
Sunday, January 18, around 4:20 p.m.: The first attack struck 12-year-old Nico Antic at Nielsen Park near Shark Beach in Vaucluse, on Sydney Harbour’s eastern shores. Nico was rock-jumping from a six-meter-high ledge known as “Jump Rock” with friends when a suspected bull shark mauled both his legs, inflicting catastrophic injuries. Friends heroically jumped into the bloodied water to drag him to safety, and water police provided immediate first aid before he was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital. Nico remains in critical condition on life support, with family updates revealing severe brain damage—he is brain-dead and “will never wake up,” according to his sister Sophie Antic’s emotional statements. A GoFundMe for the family has raised significant funds amid preparations for the “worst possible outcome.”
Monday, January 19, around noon: The second incident occurred at Dee Why Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. An 11-year-old boy was surfing when a shark bit a large chunk (approximately 15 cm) out of his board multiple times. Miraculously, the boy escaped uninjured, but the close call highlighted the predator’s aggression in murky conditions. Lifeguards deployed jet skis and drones to search for the shark, and beaches in the area were immediately closed.
Monday, January 19, around 6:20 p.m.: The third attack hit just hours later at North Steyne Beach in Manly, less than 5 km from Dee Why. A 27-year-old surfer (named in some reports as Sydney musician Andre de Ruyter) was bitten on the leg while in the water. Bystanders pulled him ashore and administered first aid before he was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in critical condition with “life-changing” and “probably catastrophic” injuries. Helicopter footage captured the chaotic scene, and the incident triggered immediate closures of Sydney’s Northern Beaches for at least 48 hours (extended in some areas).
These three Sydney attacks within roughly 26 hours (from Sunday afternoon to Monday evening) sent shockwaves through the community, leading to dozens of beach closures across NSW—up to 40 at one point—as authorities deployed drum lines, increased drone surveillance, and urged beachgoers to “just go to a local pool” for swimming. A fourth incident followed on Tuesday morning (January 20) at Point Plomer on the Mid North Coast, where a 39-year-old surfer sustained minor chest wounds after a shark bit his board—he was treated and released.
Experts attribute the surge to recent heavy rains flushing freshwater into estuaries and harbours, creating brackish, turbid conditions ideal for bull sharks. These adaptable, aggressive predators tolerate low-salinity waters and often venture close to shore in summer (January-February), when water temperatures suit them. Bull sharks are responsible for most confirmed attacks in these incidents, known for their powerful jaws and presence in urban waterways like Sydney Harbour.
While shark attacks remain statistically rare—fatalities are even rarer—the psychological impact has been profound. Seasoned surfers admit heightened fear, with one telling The Guardian he’s now more afraid of local beaches than big waves abroad. Calls for enhanced prevention measures have intensified: expanded netting (many sites like Nielsen Park and Manly lack full enclosures), more real-time drone monitoring, and public education via SharkSmart apps. Conservationists caution against knee-jerk culls, emphasizing sharks’ vital role in marine ecosystems and the low risk relative to other hazards.
The incidents have united the community in support for victims, with tributes for Nico’s bravery and the heroism of his friends, alongside concern for the Manly surfer’s recovery. As investigations continue and beaches reopen cautiously, Sydney’s love affair with its waters faces a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
The rock-jumping ledge at Nielsen Park near Shark Beach, site of the first attack.
Dee Why Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where an 11-year-old’s surfboard was bitten.
North Steyne Beach in Manly, scene of the third attack on a surfer.
Bull sharks, suspected in all incidents due to murky estuarine conditions.
Closed beach signs and patrols in response to the attacks.
As Sydney processes this shocking cluster, the focus remains on victim recovery, safety enhancements, and respecting the ocean’s power.
