Sydney, Australia – A surfer in his 50s has died after being mauled by a suspected large shark while surfing at Long Reef Beach in northern Sydney on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
According to witnesses, the man, an experienced surfer, was attacked just 100 metres from shore while surfing with friends. His surfboard was split in half, and he lost both legs in the attack. Fellow surfers bravely pulled him out of the water, but despite efforts to save him, he died at the scene.
The incident is Sydney’s second fatal shark attack in decades. The last was in February 2022, when a British diving instructor was killed — the first such death in Sydney since 1963.
Authorities have closed beaches from Manly to Narrabeen for at least 24 hours. Surf Life Saving NSW has also suspended all weekend water activities and training sessions. Drones have been deployed to search for shark activity in the area.
An eyewitness told The Daily Telegraph: “Four or five surfers pulled him out of the water, and it looked like a significant part of his lower half had been attacked.”
Officials have not confirmed the species of shark involved, but the scale of the injuries suggests it was a large predator, possibly a great white.
This attack is the fourth fatal shark attack in Australia in 2025:
In March, a surfer was killed in shallow waters in Western Australia.
In February, a 17-year-old girl died while swimming off an eastern island.
In January, a 28-year-old surfer was fatally bitten in South Australia.
In December 2024, a 40-year-old spearfisher was killed off Queensland.
According to data from Taronga Zoo, there have been 1,280 shark incidents in Australia since 1791, with more than 250 resulting in death.
The tragedy has shocked the local surfing community. Some are calling for stronger shark control measures, while others say the ocean will always carry risks. Authorities are reminding the public to avoid unpatrolled areas and to follow surf safety guidelines.
For now, northern Sydney beaches remain closed as investigators monitor the waters.
