Surfer Fatally Attacked by Shark Near Sydney Beaches

A man in his 50s was fatally attacked by a large shark while surfing at Long Reef Beach near Sydney, Australia, marking the first fatal shark attack in the area since 2022. The experienced surfer was pulled from the water by fellow surfers but died on the scene due to severe limb injuries and blood loss. Authorities recovered two sections of his surfboard for examination to help identify the shark species, with experts considering great white, tiger, and bull sharks as possibilities. In response, beaches from Manly to Narrabeen were closed, and drones and helicopters were deployed to search for the predator, while Surf Life Saving NSW urged the public to avoid the water. The attack has deeply shocked the local community and raised concerns about increasing shark presence near Sydney's shores, partly attributed to climate change and rising sea temperatures. Officials extended condolences to the victim's family and emphasized ongoing safety measures, including the installation of shark nets along the coast.