URGENT UPDATE: Sydney has been hit by a second shark attack in just two days, raising alarms among beachgoers. An 11-year-old surfer narrowly escaped injury this morning when a shark bit his board at Dee Why Point, following a horrific incident where a 12-year-old boy was critically injured at Nielsen Park on Sunday.
The latest attack occurred around mid-morning today, January 19, 2026. Witnesses reported that the shark, believed to be a bull shark measuring approximately four to five feet in length, lunged from the water and took several bites out of the young surfer’s board. One bite was so severe that it removed a significant section of the board entirely.
The boy, who was surfing at the time, screamed for help and was quickly assisted back to shore by another surfer, as reported by The Manly Observer. Thankfully, he emerged unharmed, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the surfing community.
Just one day earlier, a tragic shark attack left a 12-year-old boy in intensive care after he was mauled while swimming with friends. The attack occurred at about 4:20 PM on Sunday at the western end of Nielsen Park, an area known for its popularity but lacking shark nets. Authorities believe the boy was jumping off a six-meter-high rock ledge known as Jump Rock when he was bitten.
The series of attacks has prompted urgent discussions about safety measures at Sydney’s beaches. Local officials are advising swimmers and surfers to exercise extreme caution, especially in areas without protective shark nets.
As authorities continue to investigate the incidents, beachgoers are urged to remain vigilant. What happens next remains to be seen, but the community is on high alert following these alarming developments.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.
