The surfing community of Sydney is in mourning after a 57-year-old man, described as an experienced surfer and father, was killed in a rare shark attack on Saturday morning.

According to New South Wales Police Force, the man had entered the water at Long Reef Beach with a group of friends and had been surfing for only half an hour when tragedy struck at around 9:30am. Witnesses reported a “large shark” biting the man just 100 meters from shore, leaving him with catastrophic injuries.

Police confirmed his body was later found floating in the surf, missing several limbs. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite immediate resuscitation attempts, the man could not be saved.

“Both him and his board disappeared”

Detective Superintendent John Duncan explained that other surfers nearby saw the horrifying incident unfold. “Both him and his board disappeared underwater,” he said. “Some surfers managed to pull him out, but he had already lost a lot of blood. Resuscitation was not possible.”

Duncan described the event as a “freak” incident that occurs “very, very rarely.” He added that the victim leaves behind a wife and young daughter — a fact made even more heartbreaking with Father’s Day just a day away.

Beaches shut and shark investigation begins

Authorities quickly closed Dee Why Beach for up to 72 hours and suspended water activities along the coastline from Manly to Narrabeen for at least 24 hours.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries confirmed that SMART drumlines were set up near Long Reef and Dee Why to monitor shark movements, while marine biologists will analyze photographs and pieces of the surfboard to identify the species involved.

Witness shock: “All hell was breaking loose”

Local surfer Bill Sukala, who lives nearby, said he had planned to paddle out himself but changed his mind after receiving a notification about the attack. “The next thing the helicopters were setting up and all hell was breaking loose,” Sukala told ABC News.

He added: “Every surfer knows the risks. We don’t like it, but we accept it. Statistically it’s rare, but when it happens close to home, it shakes you.”

Other beachgoers described megaphone warnings from boats urging people to get out of the water immediately. Panic quickly spread, with lifeguards and emergency crews working to clear the beaches.

Condolences pour in

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, described the incident as an “awful tragedy.” He praised first responders and extended his condolences: “My heart goes out to the victim’s family and friends. Shark attacks are rare, but they leave a huge mark on everyone involved.”

The Northern Beaches Council also issued a statement thanking members of the public who helped and acknowledging the grief now felt across the community. “There has been a tragic loss of life on one of our beaches, and our deepest condolences today are with the man’s family and friends.”

Surf Life Saving NSW confirmed drones are being used to monitor the coastline for shark activity, and that all scheduled water sports and training events have been cancelled this weekend.

Shark attacks in context

Australia records a handful of shark attacks every year, but fatalities are rare. According to the Australian Shark Attack File, most encounters involve non-fatal bites.

Experts say human-shark encounters often result from mistaken identity, particularly when surfers are in deeper waters where visibility is low. They stress that the risk, while tragic when realized, remains extremely low compared to other ocean dangers.

A day that changed the Northern Beaches

Locals say the incident will cast a shadow over surfing life on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. As one community member said: “It could have been any of us out there. The ocean is our playground, but sometimes it reminds us who’s in charge.”

The beaches remain under strict closure as authorities continue surveillance. For the victim’s family, though, the grief will stretch far beyond the weekend, marking a Father’s Day forever linked to loss.

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