Fourth Shark Attack in Three Days Prompts Beach Closures Along New South Wales Coast
SYDNEY, Australia — A fourth shark attack in just three days has unsettled communities along the New South Wales coast, prompting authorities to close beaches and deploy drumlines in an effort to protect swimmers and surfers. The latest incident occurred Tuesday morning at Point Plomer, approximately 290 miles north of Sydney, where a 39-year-old surfer was bitten but escaped with only minor cuts.
The attack happened around 9 a.m., when the shark struck the man’s surfboard, causing damage but sparing him from serious injury. “The board seemed to take most of the impact,” said Matt Worrall, captain of the Kempsey–Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club, in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The surfer managed to paddle back to shore and was assisted by local bystanders who transported him to a nearby hospital. He was treated and released the same day.
This latest attack follows a troubling series of shark encounters along the New South Wales coast, where just days earlier a man and a boy suffered critical leg injuries in separate incidents near Sydney. Another boy was fortunate to escape unharmed after a close call with a shark. The spate of attacks has raised concerns about public safety and the presence of sharks in popular recreational waters.
In response, New South Wales authorities have closed several beaches and deployed drumlines—baited hooks designed to capture and relocate sharks—to mitigate the risk to beachgoers. These measures are part of a broader strategy implemented by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries to monitor and manage shark activity along the coastline.
Shark attacks in Australia, while rare, tend to spike during the summer months when more people are in the water. The Australian government’s Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment notes that most shark species found near New South Wales beaches are not aggressive toward humans, but the risk cannot be eliminated entirely.
Local surf lifesaving clubs have been working closely with authorities to increase patrols and educate the public about shark safety. “We urge swimmers and surfers to stay vigilant, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, and adhere to beach closures,” Worrall emphasized.
As investigations continue, officials are reviewing surveillance data and shark tagging information to better understand the recent increase in shark activity. The SharkSmart NSW program provides real-time updates and safety tips for residents and visitors.
While the community grapples with heightened caution, experts remind the public that sharks play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Efforts to balance human safety with conservation remain a priority as New South Wales navigates this challenging period.
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