URGENT UPDATE: Sydney has been rocked by another shark encounter just one day after a 12-year-old boy was critically injured. On the morning of January 19, 2026, an 11-year-old surfer narrowly escaped injury when a shark bit his surfboard at Dee Why Point, a popular spot on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Witnesses report that the shark, identified as a suspected bull shark, measuring approximately four to five feet, lunged from the water and took multiple bites out of the boy’s board. One of the bites was so severe that it removed a large section entirely, leaving smaller bite marks scattered across the surface. The young surfer, shaken but unharmed, called for help and was rescued by another surfer, according to The Manly Observer.
This alarming incident follows closely on the heels of a severe attack on Sunday at 4:20 PM, when the 12-year-old boy was swimming with friends at Nielsen Park. Reports indicate he was jumping from a six-meter-high rock ledge known as Jump Rock—an area devoid of shark nets—when he was mauled by the same species. He is currently in intensive care with serious injuries to both legs.
The frequency of these attacks has raised concerns among beachgoers and authorities alike. Officials are urging swimmers and surfers to exercise extreme caution, especially in areas where shark nets are not present. The potential for danger has never been more evident, and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
As the investigation continues, residents and visitors are advised to stay alert and report any shark sightings. The community is rallying around the young boy in intensive care, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures at local beaches.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. The safety of beachgoers remains a top priority, and officials are committed to protecting the community from further incidents.
