A 57-year-old experienced surfer and father has died after a suspected shark attack at Long Reef Beach in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, marking a rare fatal incident that has shocked the local community and prompted widespread beach closures. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the victim succumbed to severe injuries at the scene, with authorities now investigating the species of shark involved.
The attack occurred on the morning of September 6, 2025, when the man was surfing with a group of friends approximately 100 meters from shore. Witnesses reported seeing him and his surfboard disappear underwater before his companions managed to pull him to the beach. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene, having suffered critical injuries including the loss of multiple limbs.
Police were alerted around 10:00 AM local time after receiving reports of the incident. Upon arrival, officers found the victim unresponsive and recovered sections of his surfboard, which are being examined by experts from the Department of Primary Industries to determine the shark species. The victim has been described as an experienced surfer who was well-known in the local surfing community.
In response to the attack, authorities have closed beaches from Manly to Narrabeen for at least 24 to 72 hours as a precautionary measure. Drones and SMART drumlines have been deployed to monitor shark activity, and Surf Life Saving NSW has canceled all water activities in the area. The closures aim to ensure public safety while investigations continue.
This incident is the first fatal shark attack in the Sydney area since 2022, when a British diving instructor was killed. Historically, shark attacks in Australia are rare, with an average of about 20 incidents per year and a mortality rate of less than one person annually. The last fatal attack in Sydney prior to 2022 occurred in 1963, underscoring the unusual nature of this event.
The victim leaves behind a wife and a young daughter, and the tragedy has been compounded by its timing on Father’s Day weekend in Australia. Local authorities, including NSW Premier Chris Minns, have expressed condolences to the family and praised the efforts of first responders and bystanders who assisted at the scene. The surfing community is in mourning, with many acknowledging the inherent risks of the sport.
Investigations are ongoing, with focus on identifying the shark species and assessing any ongoing risks. The community is advised to stay informed about beach closures and safety updates. This event has reignited discussions about shark safety measures in popular surfing areas, though authorities emphasize that such attacks remain extremely rare.