ANOTHER MAUL HORROR
Australia rocked by FOURTH shark attack near Sydney in just 48 hours – as officials beg swimmers ‘please use a pool’
SHARK mayhem has shaken Australia’s New South Wales coastline after a fourth vicious attack in the space of just 48 hours.
A 39-year-old surfer “sustained a wound to his chest” after his board was bitten near Limeburners Creek national park this morning.
A fourth shark mauling has happened near Point Plomers Campground, New South WalesCredit: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Andre de Ruyter, 27, was mauled while surfing by Manly BeachCredit: Supplied
Nico Antic, 12, was attacked while cliff-diving with friendsCredit: Gofundme
It follows a brutal rampage that has rocked Sydney, with three attacks in just 24 hours.
The latest victim was rushed to hospital with minor injuries but has since been released.
The beast had clamped down on the man’s surfboard, before he fortunately escaped without serious injury, only sustaining small cuts and grazes.
Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce told ABC: “If anyone’s thinking of heading into the surf this morning, anywhere along the northern beaches, think again.
“We have such poor water quality that’s conducive to bull shark activity.
“We have two people critically injured in hospital this morning.
“Just go to a local pool, because at this stage, we’re advising that the beaches are unsafe.”
Shark panic has gripped the state as the victim number grows, with beaches in Sydney’s northern area closed until further notice.
Andre de Ruyter, 27, was the most recent to experience a savage mauling.
The young musician was attacked on Manly Beach, North Sydney at 6:30pm local time on Monday and rushed to hospital with serious leg injuries.
Terrifying footage showed being dragged out of the surf and across the sand by horrified witnesses.
Two French tourists were heard screaming “he’s bleeding out” as the waves turned an ominous red.
Two heroic surfers, Eduardo and Ash paddled de Ruyter back to shore, before bystanders made a tourniquet for his legs.
Pictures showed paramedics performing CPR at the scene before he was rushed to hospital where he remains in critical condition.
Horrifying footage shows the moment de Ruyter was attackedCredit: 10 News
Emergency services have been run ragged by the shark rampageCredit: Sky News
All beaches in northern Sydney have been closed until further noticeCredit: AP
That morning, an 11-year-old was surfing at Dee Why, in Northern Sydney, when a shark lunged at his board.
In a frenzied attack, the shark chomped on the board multiple times, launching the boy into the water.
Horrifying images show a huge chunk missing from the side of the board.
He was rescued by his father and a brave bystander who heard his screams for help.
A witness reported seeing a bull shark – possibly up to 1.5 metres long.
A section of the boy’s missing board has been sent to New South Wales Fisheries in a bid to identify the species.
The beach was closed at the time of the attack due to dangerous water conditions, a spokesman for Surf Life Saving New South Wales said.
An 11-year-old was later attacked while surfing at Dee Why, northern SydneyCredit: TNV
Emergency services at Sydney Harbour after the horror attack on a 12-year-oldCredit: TNV
The two attacks come a day after 12-year-old Nico Antic was left fighting for his life after suffering catastrophic injuries to both of his legs on Sunday.
Five of Nico’s terrified pals watched in horror as the attack unfolded, before heroically jumping in the water to save him.
The attack happened at about 4.30pm at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse – a beach which has both a netted swimming area and open water.
They tried to drag him back onto the rock platform before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Paramedics tied tourniquets around the boy’s legs and performed CPR as they transported him by boat to Rose Bay for urgent treatment.
What makes bull sharks so deadly?
Bull sharks are aggressive, medium sized sharks that weigh between 200 and 500 pounds.
They get their name from a short, blunt spout and a tendency to head-butt prey before attacking.
They are third most likely to attack humans behind tiger sharks and great whites and can swim in salt AND fresh water.
They are often found lurking in shallow, warm and turbid waters.
