Sydney Beaches Closed After Horrific Shark Attack Leaves Surfer Fighting for Life

An unprecedented maritime lockdown has been declared across Sydney’s coastline after a young surfer was brutally attacked by a shark at North Steyne Beach, leaving him in critical condition.

This follows an attack hours earlier at Dee Why Beach, where the victim had a lucky escape, as reported by the BBC.

The second attack, which occurred on Monday, has turned the popular Northern Beaches, usually a surfer's paradise, into a scene of terror. The victim, a man in his 20s, was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

What makes this tragedy particularly chilling for the local community is the location: the attack took place at the exact spot where legendary surfer Mercury Psilakis was killed in September. The striking similarity between the two events has raised difficult questions regarding swimmer safety and fears of a persistent shark presence in the area.

Following the attack, the Northern Beaches Council decided not to take any risks. In a dramatic move, authorities announced the hermetic closure of dozens of beaches along the coast. As of today (Tuesday) and continuing through tomorrow, entering the water is strictly prohibited.

Eyewitnesses recounted moments of extraordinary bravery during the chaos. Fellow surfers and lifeguards at the scene ignored the immediate danger, diving back into the water to rescue the wounded man and administer life-saving first aid before paramedics arrived. Emergency services praised the civilians who acted with composure under attack.

A day before that attack (Sunday), a 12-year-old boy was also critically injured when bitten at a popular Sydney Harbour beach.

The BBC added that a fourth surfer has now been attacked in Sydney:

"A surfer has been bitten by a shark, the fourth attack along Australia's New South Wales (NSW) coastline in under 48 hours. The 39-year-old man "sustained a wound to his chest" after a shark bit his board on the Mid North Coast on Tuesday morning, police said. He has been released from hospital. It follows three other attacks in Sydney over the past two days."

This is the breakdown of the attacks:

It's likely that at least some of the victims were attacked by bull sharks. The BBC explained "Bull sharks are typically seen around Sydney in January and February - the summer months in Australia - as the "water is at their preferred temperature", Dr Daryl McPhee, associate professor of environmental science at Bond University, said."

Authorities have issued a stark warning to the public: "Do not tempt fate." Residents are urged to stay away from the water and monitor official updates. Whether this is a tragic coincidence or a change in shark behavior remains to be seen, but for now, Sydney’s beaches remain silent and empty.