By Jonathan Ferreira
A surfer has been injured in the fourth shark attack recorded along the New South Wales coastline within forty eight hours, heightening concern among authorities and beachgoers. The thirty nine year old man was bitten on Tuesday morning near Point Plomer on the mid north coast after a shark struck his surfboard and caused a wound to his chest. Police said he was treated in hospital and later released. The incident followed three separate shark encounters in Sydney over the previous two days, prompting police to close all northern Sydney beaches until further notice.
Officials believe recent heavy rainfall may have contributed to the surge in attacks by creating conditions that draw sharks closer to shore. Rain washes nutrients into coastal waters, attracting fish and reducing visibility, which can increase the likelihood of encounters. Surf Life Saving New South Wales said the injured surfer was fortunate to avoid serious harm and strongly advised the public to avoid swimming near river mouths or in murky water. Authorities also warned that bull sharks are suspected in most of the recent incidents, a species known to tolerate both fresh and salt water and to feed in low visibility conditions.
The attacks include a near miss at Dee Why Beach, a serious incident at Manly that left a twenty-seven-year-old with permanent injuries, and a critical attack on a twelve-year-old boy at a harbour beach earlier in the week. Experts say bull sharks are commonly found near Sydney during the summer months when water temperatures suit them. While Australia records more shark encounters than many countries, specialists stress that attacks remain extremely rare. However, the concentration of incidents in such a short period is considered highly unusual. Police continue to urge the public to avoid waterways until weather conditions and water quality improve.
