Man dies in Australia after being bitten by 'large shark' along Sydney beach
New South Wales Police Superintendent John Duncan speaks about fatal shark attack Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (Credit: AuBC/APTN)
An Australian surfer died Saturday after being bitten by a "large shark" at Long Reef Beach in Sydney, police said.
New South Wales Police Superintendent John Duncan identified the victim as a 57-year-old father and "experienced surfer" who lost multiple limbs, according to Sky News.
"There was a guy screaming, 'I don't want to get bitten, I don't want to get bitten, don't bite me,' and I saw the dorsal fin of the shark come up, and it was huge," a witness told Sky News Australia.
FLORIDA BEACHES CLAIM 9 OF TOP 10 SPOTS FOR MOST SHARK ATTACKS IN AMERICA, NEW STUDY SHOWS
Police said they were called to the beach around 10 a.m. Saturday to respond to reports of a man who "had suffered critical injuries."
"He was retrieved from the surf and brought to the shore; however, [he] died at the scene," the New South Wales Police Force said in a statement.
"Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command have closed the beach and will liaise with experts ... to determine the species of shark involved," police added. "Two sections of a surfboard have been recovered and taken for expert examination."
GREAT WHITE SHARK SIGHTINGS RISE ALONG NORTHEAST BEACHES AS SUMMER WINDS DOWN
The last time a person was killed by a shark in Sydney was in February 2022, which was the city’s first fatal shark attack dating back to 1963, according to Sky News.
Duncan told reporters Saturday that the incident was a "terrible tragedy."
"The gentleman had gone out about 9:30 this morning with some of his friends, about five or six of his mates," he was quoted by Sky News as saying. "He's an experienced surfer that we understand.
Visitors avoid the water while surf rescue personnel on jet skis patrol the coastline in northern Sydney following a shark attack at Long Reef Beach. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images)
"Unfortunately, it would appear that a large, what we believe to be a shark, has attacked him. And as a result of that, he lost a number of limbs," Duncan reportedly added. "His colleagues managed to make it back to the beach safely, and a short time later, his body was found floating in the surf. And a couple of other people went out and recovered it."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Duncan said the victim leaves behind a wife and young daughter, Sky News reported.
Antisemitism Exposed
Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world."
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
