Dee Why surfer killed in shark attack at Long Reef Beach
It was a tragic morning on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where a man lost his life after being attacked by a shark while surfing at Long Reef, near Dee Why. The incident happened just after 10am on Saturday, when emergency services were called to the beach after reports of a surfer being bitten. Sadly, despite efforts to bring him to shore and provide urgent care, he could not be saved.
Police later confirmed that the man had been mauled by what is believed to have been a large shark. Pieces of his surfboard, broken into sections during the attack, were recovered from the water and sent off for expert examination. Authorities are now working with the Department of Primary Industries to identify the species responsible.
Also Read:- Forestiers d’Amos Lean on Veterans for M18 AAA Season Kickoff
- Tuchel’s England Still Searching for Identity
Following the attack, Long Reef Beach was cordoned off, and all beaches from Manly through to Narrabeen were closed as a precaution. Police vehicles, paramedics, and even the Westpac rescue helicopter were at the scene, with a tent set up on the sand as the area was secured. Surf Life Saving NSW confirmed the man had been surfing with a group, but they were positioned north of the lifeguard tower — outside the patrolled zone.
Drones have been deployed to scan the waters for any further shark activity, while lifesavers and volunteers remain on high alert. Surf Life Saving NSW’s chief executive, Steve Pearce, described the event as a “terrible tragedy” and offered heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family. He also stressed that volunteers would continue to support the council and authorities in keeping the public safe.
Witnesses nearby described hearing an announcement over a loudspeaker from a boat, warning people to leave the water immediately due to the attack. A junior surf competition was scheduled at the beach that day, making the closure of the area even more urgent. All water activities across nearby beaches have now been suspended for the weekend.
Shark fatalities in Sydney are rare. Before this incident, there had only been one death from a shark attack in the city’s waters in more than 60 years — that was in 2022, when Simon Nellist was killed at Little Bay in the east. What makes this case even more confronting is that Long Reef, like many other popular Sydney beaches, had already been fitted with a mesh shark net earlier in the week. Nets, however, are not complete barriers; sharks can swim around them, and their effectiveness has long been debated.
For the community, the loss is being felt deeply. Surfers, lifesavers, and locals are shaken, while authorities are urging caution and patience as they continue investigations. As police prepare to release further updates, the mood along the Northern Beaches remains sombre — a reminder of both the beauty and the risks of the ocean.
Read More:
0 Comments