A surfer has been injured in the fourth shark attack reported along Australia’s New South Wales coastline in less than two days, prompting authorities to close several beaches and issue fresh safety warnings.
The latest incident occurred on Tuesday morning near Point Plomer on the state’s Mid North Coast, where a 39-year-old man was bitten while surfing. Police said the shark struck his board and caused a wound to his chest. He was treated in hospital and later discharged.
This latest attack follows three other shark incidents in the Sydney area over the past 48 hours. As a result, beaches across Sydney’s northern coastline remain closed until further notice, according to local authorities.
Officials believe recent weather conditions may be playing a role in the unusual spike in encounters. Heavy rainfall over the past several days has reduced water visibility and washed nutrients into coastal waters, which can attract marine life closer to shore.
Surf Life Saving New South Wales chief executive Steve Pearce said the injured surfer was fortunate to escape serious harm. He warned people to avoid swimming or surfing near river mouths, particularly when water is murky, as these areas are known to attract sharks.
Earlier this week, a surfer narrowly escaped injury at Dee Why Beach, while another man suffered serious injuries in a separate attack at Manly. On Sunday, a 12-year-old boy was critically injured after being bitten at a popular harbour beach in Sydney.
Authorities suspect bull sharks were responsible for most of the recent incidents. Bull sharks are known for their ability to survive in both saltwater and freshwater and are considered among the more dangerous shark species to humans.
Marine experts say the summer season, combined with warmer waters and reduced visibility after heavy rain, creates conditions that increase the likelihood of encounters. Bull sharks are particularly active in coastal and river environments during this time of year.
Police have advised the public to stay out of the water until conditions improve. Officials stressed that although Australia records shark encounters more often than most countries, such a cluster of incidents within a short period remains rare.
Environmental experts say shark attacks remain extremely uncommon overall, but swimmers and surfers are being urged to take extra precautions and follow safety advisories closely.