Beachgoers at Queenscliff Beach walk past warning signs, with beaches closed after recent shark attacks in Sydney, Australia, January 20, 2026. Reuters
Explainers
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Firstpost20-01-2026, 20:02

Australia Rocked by 4 Shark Attacks in 2 Days; Beaches Closed

  • Four shark attacks occurred in two days along Australia's east coast, leading to the closure of dozens of beaches, including in Sydney.
  • Bull sharks are suspected to be responsible for the attacks, which followed heavy rains creating ideal conditions for these species.
  • Incidents include a surfer bitten at Point Plomer Beach, a 27-year-old man critically injured at North Steyne Beach, an 11-year-old boy's surfboard bitten at Dee Why Point, and a 12-year-old boy critically injured at Shark Beach.
  • Experts attribute the surge in attacks to heavy rainfall, which caused runoff bringing prey into the ocean and made waters murky, reducing visibility for sharks.
  • Beaches in northern Sydney, including Manly and Palm Beach, remain closed, with authorities advising against swimming in waterways due to safety concerns.

Why It Matters: Australia faces unprecedented shark attacks, prompting beach closures and safety warnings amid unusual environmental conditions.

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