A sign warns of uninvited shark visits to Sydney beaches.Image: keystone
June 26, 2026, 07:32June 26, 2026, 07:32
Due to a series of shark sightings, several beaches in Sydney have been closed off and on for four days – including the world-famous Bondi Beach. Rescue workers and drones discovered sharks again in the morning (local time) off the beaches of Tamarama and Bronte in the east of the Australian metropolis. Bathers are no longer allowed to enter the water there while the authorities continue to monitor the situation, as the New South Wales state shark warning platform called “Shark Smart” announced.
In recent days, footage from the online platform “Drone Shark App” has shown, among other things, a great white shark in front of Bondi Beach, which is popular with surfers and tourists from all over the world. Other dangerous shark species are also said to have been spotted. Already on Thursday, surfers were warned via loudspeaker to come to the shore immediately after a shark was discovered very close to them.
Attack caused horror
Two weeks ago, a serious shark attack on nearby Coogee Beach caused horror across the country. A 35-year-old woman was allegedly attacked by a great white shark and critically injured while swimming near the shore on June 13th. To save her life, doctors had to amputate one of her arms. She also suffered serious wounds on one leg.
According to her family, the mother’s condition has now improved significantly. Her life was no longer in danger, she was awake and responsive and was able to see her little daughter again for the first time since the attack, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper quoted her brother as saying. His sister remembers everything that happened in detail. She would have to undergo further operations.
Debate about culling
The incident has reignited discussions in Australia about how to deal with sharks that have been going on for years. Calls for culling are regularly made after such attacks, but scientists point out that the benefits of this approach can hardly be proven and that white sharks are also under strict protection. The authorities in the state of New South Wales are therefore investing more in drones, electronic surveillance and other warning systems, but at the same time admit that a risk in the sea can never be completely ruled out. (pre/sda/dpa)