FATHER’S DAY TRAGEDY: Experienced Surfer Dies in Horror Shark Attack at Sydney’s Long Reef Beach
- A 57-year-old man has died after being bitten by a large shark at Long Reef beach near Dee Why on Sydney’s northern beaches.
- The victim, an experienced surfer from Dee Why, was brought ashore by two fellow surfers but suffered catastrophic injuries and could not be resuscitated.
- Beaches between Manly and Narrabeen have been closed pending further advice, with surf lifesavers and police working to protect the public from further danger.
Tragedy struck on Father’s Day morning at Long Reef beach, where a 57-year-old surfer was attacked and killed by a large shark. The experienced surfer from Dee Why was out in the water with friends when the shark struck, leaving him with critical injuries.
Witnesses described the horrific scene as the victim was brought ashore by two fellow surfers, with distraught family members rushing to the beach. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, the man died at the scene, leaving behind a wife and young daughter.
NSW Police Supt John Duncan expressed his condolences to the family, saying, “We understand he leaves behind a wife and a young daughter. Obviously, tomorrow being Father’s Day, it’s particularly tragic.”
The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, with Surf Life Saving NSW’s chief executive, Steve Pearce, offering his “deepest condolences” to the man’s family. “Volunteers will continue to assist council and authorities to protect the public from further danger in any way we can,” he said.
Police are working to determine the species of shark involved in the attack, with two sections of a surfboard recovered and taken for expert examination. Drone operators from Surf Life Saving NSW are scanning the water for signs of further shark activity, and lifeguards are present to stop people swimming.
This is the fourth fatal shark attack in Australian waters this year and the first in NSW. The last fatal attack in Sydney occurred in February 2022, when a British diving instructor was taken by a great white off Little Bay in the city’s east.