Sydney Shark Attack: 2 Critically Injured in 3 Separate Attacks in Just Over 24 Hours in Australia, Swimmers Urged To Stay out of Water

Sydney, January 20: Authorities in Australia's Sydney have issued urgent safety warnings after three separate shark attacks occurred along the city’s coastline in just over 24 hours. The unusual cluster of encounters has left two people in critical condition and prompted the temporary closure of several popular beaches.

The first shark attack took place on Sunday evening, January 18, followed by two more on Monday, January 19, targeting swimmers and surfers in different coastal suburbs. Emergency services were pushed to their limits as they responded to the back-to-back crises, with bystanders credited for providing life-saving first aid on the sand before paramedics arrived. The rapid succession of these events has shocked the local community, as Sydney’s shark mitigation programs are typically considered some of the most robust in the world. Shark Attack in Australia: 12-Year-Old Boy Bitten by Shark at Sydney Harbor Beach.

Man Seriously Injured in Sydney Shark Attack

The most severe of the encounters involved a swimmer in his 40s who suffered extensive leg injuries. He was airlifted to a major trauma center in critical condition. In a separate incident just hours later, a surfer was bitten while paddling out; he remains in stable but serious condition after undergoing emergency surgery.

The third encounter resulted in minor injuries, but the frequency of the sightings has led the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries to categorise the current situation as a high-risk period for water activities. Shark Attack in Great Barrier Reef: 40-Year-Old Man Killed While Fishing with Family Near Australia.

Beach Closures and Monitoring After Shark Attack in Sydney

In response to the surge, local councils have closed stretches of beach from Bondi to the southern suburbs. Lifeguards are actively patrolling the shorelines, advising residents to stay out of the water until further notice.

Fisheries officials have deployed additional "SMART" drumlines, technology designed to catch, tag, and release sharks further out to sea. Data from these devices, along with aerial surveillance, is being analyzed to track shark movements near the breakers.

Why the Sudden Rise in Shark Attacks?

Marine biologists suggest that several environmental factors could be contributing to the increased shark activity. Recent heavy rainfall in the region may have washed nutrients into the ocean, attracting baitfish closer to the shore, which in turn draws in larger predators.

Additionally, fluctuating water temperatures and seasonal migration patterns are being examined. While shark encounters in Sydney are relatively rare compared to other parts of Australia, experts warn that low-visibility water, common after storms, increases the risk of "accidental" bites.

The NSW government has reminded the public to follow standard shark safety protocols during this period. Swimmers are urged to avoid the water at dawn and dusk, stay away from river mouths after rain, and never swim alone.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 20, 2026 07:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).