Heavy Rain, Excess Sewage Blamed for Sydney Shark Attack Spate

A swathe of Sydney’s beaches have been closed after three suspected shark attacks in little more than 24 hours have left two people in critical conditions.

A general view shows the closed signage of the North Steyne Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 19, 2026. Steven Markham/AFP via Getty Images

Experts have said sewage overflows and heavy rainfall have contributed to a surge in shark attacks in Sydney in recent days.

A swathe of Sydney’s beaches have been closed after three suspected bull shark attacks in little more than 24 hours have left two people in critical conditions.