Emergency services across New South Wales are dealing with the aftermath of two separate and serious incidents, including a life-threatening shark attack in Sydney and a major search for a man who fell from a cliff on the South Coast.
Desperate Search for Man After Cliff Plunge
A large-scale search operation is set to resume on Monday morning for a 23-year-old man who vanished after falling from a cliff into the water. The incident occurred at Mystery Bay Beach, approximately 12 kilometres south of Narooma, at around 6.40pm on Sunday.
The man fell several metres into the bay. Initial searches on Sunday evening involved multiple agencies, including NSW Police, the Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW, the State Emergency Service, and the Volunteer Rescue Association. Despite their combined efforts, the man could not be located, and the operation was suspended due to fading light.
Boy Fights for Life After Vaucluse Shark Attack
In a separate and terrifying incident, a 12-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being bitten by a shark at a Sydney beach on Sunday afternoon. The attack happened at about 4.20pm near Shark Beach in Vaucluse, a popular harbour location.
The boy was reportedly playing with friends at a well-known jump rock spot when he was attacked. His friends showed incredible presence of mind, applying a makeshift tourniquet to his legs before loading him onto a police boat. The vessel raced him to Rose Bay wharf, where paramedics were waiting to continue urgent first aid.
The boy was transported to hospital with critical injuries to both legs. Police have described the injuries as consistent with the bite of a large shark. Officials from NSW Police and NSW Ambulance are expected to provide a further update on the boy's condition around 8am on Monday.
Ongoing Response and Community Impact
These back-to-back incidents have stretched emergency resources and shocked local communities. The cliff fall at Mystery Bay highlights the dangers of the rugged South Coast coastline, especially near unstable edges. Meanwhile, the shark attack in Sydney Harbour, though rare, is a stark reminder of the potential risks in popular swimming areas.
The multi-agency response underscores the coordinated effort of NSW's emergency services in dealing with critical land and sea-based incidents. The public is urged to stay clear of the search area at Mystery Bay and to follow official advice regarding beach safety in the wake of the shark attack.
