Wollongong musician Andre de Ruyter critical after Manly shark bite amid multiple Sydney incidents in 24 hours

Surfer pulled unconscious from water at North Steyne

A 27-year-old Wollongong musician, Andre de Ruyter, remains in a critical condition after suffering a severe shark bite while surfing at North Steyne, Manly, on Monday, 19 January 2026. The incident was reported shortly after 6:15pm, with witnesses describing a rapid rescue effort involving surfers, surf lifesavers, lifeguards and medical personnel who were on the beach at the time.

Emergency responders treated de Ruyter for a serious lower-leg wound. He was brought to shore after losing a significant amount of blood and went into cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was commenced on the sand while a tourniquet was applied to control bleeding. He was then transported to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he remained in intensive care on Monday night.

Large emergency response and blood transfusion en route

NSW Ambulance dispatched multiple crews to Manly. In an unusual escalation reflecting the severity of the injuries, additional blood supplies were moved to support the resuscitation and stabilisation effort, with reports indicating a large-volume transfusion was administered while he was being taken to hospital.

The rescue operation drew on the proximity of trained responders, with surf lifesavers and council lifeguards coordinating the beach response while paramedics managed advanced care. Police units also attended the scene as the beach was cleared.

Manly attack followed two other Sydney-area incidents

The Manly bite occurred amid heightened concern after two other shark-related incidents around Sydney in just over 24 hours.

• On Sunday, 18 January 2026, a 12-year-old boy was bitten at Shark Beach in Vaucluse after entering the water from a rock-jumping area. He suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital for emergency treatment.
• Earlier on Monday, 19 January 2026, an 11-year-old boy was not injured when a shark bit his surfboard at Dee Why, prompting an immediate beach closure.

Beach closures and conditions linked to higher risk

Following the Manly incident, authorities closed beaches across Sydney’s Northern Beaches, alongside intensified surveillance and response measures. Officials issued renewed warnings about elevated risk in the aftermath of heavy rainfall, which can reduce water visibility and increase the likelihood of encounters in nearshore areas.

Authorities advised beachgoers to avoid entering the water during periods of murky conditions and to follow beach closures and signage.

Investigators did not immediately confirm the shark species involved at Manly. However, the recent cluster of incidents has renewed operational focus on monitoring and non-lethal mitigation measures along the coast, including the deployment of additional equipment intended to detect and respond to shark activity.

De Ruyter’s condition remained critical as of late Monday, 19 January 2026.