Three Shark Incidents Strike Sydney in 26 Hours After Record Rainfall
Three separate shark incidents occurred in Sydney within just 26 hours, leaving a 12-year-old boy and a man in his 20s in critical condition. The 12-year-old suffered severe injuries to both legs after being attacked by a suspected bull shark near Shark Beach in Vaucluse on Sunday afternoon. The boy was jumping from a rock ledge at Nielsen Park into Sydney Harbour when the attack occurred.
Less than 24 hours later, a surfer in his 20s went into cardiac arrest after a shark attack at North Steyne Beach in Manly. Between these two critical incidents, an 11-year-old surfer narrowly escaped injury when a shark bit a large chunk from his surfboard at Dee Why Beach. The young surfer was unharmed but the incident prompted beach closures across Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
The incidents occurred after heavy rainfall created conditions that may have contributed to shark activity in the area. Marine experts warn that the combination of sewage overflow, murky water, and brackish conditions has increased risk factors for swimmers in Sydney Harbour and surrounding waters. Similar patterns of sewage-related water contamination have been documented in coastal communities worldwide, with warming ocean temperatures potentially influencing shark migration patterns.
Timeline: 26 Hours of Shark Incidents
Three separate events across Sydney Harbour and northern beaches left communities on high alert
Incident Locations Across Sydney
The three incidents occurred at different locations across Sydney, from the protected waters of Sydney Harbour to ocean beaches along the northern coastline. Some nearby beaches have shark mitigation measures, though authorities have not confirmed their relevance to these incidents. Click the markers below to see detailed information about each location.
Why Heavy Rain Creates Shark Danger
Dr. Chris Pepin-Neff, an associate professor of public policy at the University of Sydney who specializes in shark policy, explains that swimming in Sydney Harbour after heavy rain is a “terrible idea.” When rainfall exceeds 20 millimetres, aging city sewerage pipes can discharge overflow including faecal matter into the harbour. This creates a chain reaction that attracts sharks to swimming areas. Understanding this connection between rainfall and bacteria surges in coastal waters can help swimmers make informed decisions about water safety.
Heavy Rainfall
Sydney recorded 127mm of rain in 24 hours – the wettest day since 1988 according to Bureau of Meteorology data
Sewage Overflow
Old city pipes can discharge overflow including raw sewage and faecal matter into the harbour after significant rain, contaminating the water
Bait Fish Attracted
Small fish are drawn to the nutrient-rich water and organic matter from sewage overflow
Sharks Follow
Bull sharks and other species move toward bait fish in the murky, brackish water near shore
Expert Warnings and Analysis
Marine scientists and local authorities issued urgent warnings about the dangerous conditions created by the weekend’s heavy rainfall. The combination of brackish water, reduced visibility, and increased shark activity prompted officials to recommend avoiding harbour and river systems across New South Wales. These conditions mirror challenges faced by communities dealing with polluted coastal waters and the impacts of aging infrastructure on marine ecosystems.
After 20 millimetres of rain, the level of faecal matter and raw sewage that are in the harbour attracts bait fish and brings sharks toward the bait fish. It’s really important after a big storm to not swim in the harbour for about 72 hours.
Those are city sewerage pipes that are flowing raw sewage into the harbour, so I think the city has an obligation to alert the public that old pipes make the harbour unsafe after a big storm.
We believe the combination of the brackish water, the fresh water, the actions of the splashing may have made that perfect storm environment for that shark attack. I would recommend not swimming in the harbour or our other river systems across NSW at this time.
We know [in] the harbour, for example, we’ve got dirty water, then overcast rain, a lot of the run-offs from the creeks and the drains, and that stimulates the curiosity of sharks. We’ve had those two attacks in the harbour and I’m predicting that there’ll be more.
If it doesn’t feel right, the conditions aren’t right, just don’t go in.
Should I Swim? Check Current Conditions
Use this interactive tool to assess whether it’s safe to swim based on current conditions. The NSW Department of Primary Industries advises avoiding swimming in low visibility, murky water. Select all conditions that apply to get personalized safety guidance.
The rapid succession of shark incidents prompted authorities to close Sydney’s northern beaches until further notice while emergency drone surveillance monitors coastal waters. The NSW Department of Primary Industries shark scientists examined photos of injuries from the first attack and said a bull shark was likely responsible based on the nature of wounds and environmental conditions at the site.
Heavy swell limited the operation of smart drumlines in some areas – devices that notify authorities of shark activity – complicating monitoring efforts along sections of the NSW coast. Marine scientists note that increasingly crowded waters and rising ocean temperatures appear to be influencing shark migratory patterns, potentially contributing to encounters despite overfishing having depleted some species.
Critical Safety Information
Dr. Pepin-Neff emphasized the need for better public communication, stating that warning signs about bacteria levels should explicitly mention the 72-hour waiting period before entering harbour waters after significant rainfall. The incidents occurred approximately four months after Mercury Psillakis, a 57-year-old surfer, was fatally mauled by a shark at Long Reef Beach in September 2025.
Efforts to protect marine life while ensuring public safety continue to evolve, as demonstrated by initiatives like stronger shark protection laws in other regions and growing recognition of the importance of documenting ocean ecosystems.
The 12-year-old boy remained in intensive care surrounded by family at Sydney Children’s Hospital, with medical staff describing his condition as critical but stable. The surfer injured at Manly continued receiving treatment for extensive leg trauma as authorities maintained beach closures and surveillance operations across Sydney’s coastline.
