Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Sydney Beaches Closed After Three Shark Attacks
In Sydney, Australia, there were three shark attacks in just one day.
A man in his 20s and a 12-year-old boy were badly hurt, while an 11-year-old boy was lucky and not injured.
The sharks are thought to be bull sharks, which were more active because of recent heavy rain.
The beaches where the attacks happened are now closed.
There have been other shark attacks in the area recently, including one that was fatal.
Authorities are warning people to be careful in the water.
An eyewitness helped keep the man alive by using his surfboard’s leg rope as a tourniquet.
Three shark attacks occurred in Sydney within 24 hours, with two people critically injured and one unharmed.
The attacks took place at North Steyne Beach, Shark Beach, Dee Why Beach, and Manly.
Bull sharks are suspected to be responsible for at least some of the attacks.
Heavy rainfall increased murky freshwater flow into Sydney Harbour, raising the risk of bull shark activity.
Sydney’s northern beaches, including North Steyne, Dee Why, and Manly, have been closed until further notice.
- Who
- A man in his 20s, a 12-year-old boy, and an 11-year-old boy
- What
- Three shark attacks occurred in Sydney within 24 hours
- When
- January 20, 2026, and the previous day
- Where
- Sydney, Australia (North Steyne Beach, Shark Beach, Dee Why Beach, Manly)
- Why
- Heavy rainfall increased murky freshwater flow into Sydney Harbour, raising the risk of bull shark activity
Beach Closures
Economic Impact
Safety Measures
Beach Closures
Beaches should remain closed to prevent further shark attacks and ensure public safety.
Economic Impact
Extended beach closures negatively impact local businesses and tourism.
- Location
- Sydney, Australia (North Steyne Beach, Shark Beach, Dee Why Beach, Manly)
- Number of Attacks
- 3
- Injured
- 2 (critically injured), 1 (unhurt)
- Suspected Shark Species
- Bull sharks
- Beaches Closed
- Sydney’s northern beaches, including North Steyne, Dee Why, and Manly
- Shark Protection Netting
- Present at all three locations
- Recent Similar Incidents
- September 2025 (fatal attack at Ocean Reef Beach), November 2025 (fatal attack north of Sydney)
- Eyewitness Action
- Surfer used surfboard’s leg rope as a makeshift tourniquet
Sources
Sydney Sees Three Shark Attacks In Just Over 24 Hours, Two Critically Injured
Sydney beaches close after three shark attacks in two days
Sydney beaches stay closed after three shark attacks in two days
Australia shuts dozens of east coast beaches after shark attacks