Australia’s New South Wales coastline has become the scene of a concerning pattern of shark encounters, with four separate incidents recorded within a mere 48-hour period. The latest attack occurred Tuesday morning near Crescent Head, where a 39-year-old surfer sustained minor injuries after a shark bit through his board. This follows three previous incidents: a young surfer’s narrow escape at Dee Why Beach on Monday, a severe attack at Manly that left a 27-year-old with life-altering injuries, and a critical incident on Sunday where a 12-year-old boy was seriously wounded at a popular Sydney Harbour beach.
Marine experts attribute this unusual cluster of attacks to recent heavy rainfall that has transformed NSW waterways into nutrient-rich environments, attracting sharks closer to shore. Authorities have identified bull sharks as likely perpetrators in several cases. According to the Australian Museum, bull sharks—capable of thriving in both fresh and saltwater—rank as the third deadliest shark species globally.
Despite Australia’s reputation as a global hotspot for shark encounters, statistical probabilities remain extremely low. However, police have issued formal advisories urging the public to avoid waterways due to compromised water quality and reduced visibility following recent weather conditions. Superintendent Joseph McNulty emphasized the heightened risk, particularly in harbor and river systems across NSW.
All victims have received medical attention, with the most recent surfer reported in stable condition at a local hospital. The incident near Point Plomer campground, approximately 450 kilometers north of Sydney, underscores the widespread nature of these occurrences along the NSW coastline.