Australia closes beaches in wake of shark attacksAFP, SYDNEYSwimmers and surfers yesterday were warned to steer clear of beaches in parts of eastern Australia after four shark attacks in the space of 48 hours. Heavy rains stirring up murky waters have been blamed for the unusual spate of attacks in the state of New South Wales. Surf Life Saving New South Wales said the turbid waters were ideal for bull sharks, urging people to stick to the pool until conditions cleared. In one of those attacks, a shark bit a man’s legs as he surfed at Manly, leaving him in a critical condition. Scientists said that heavy rain had attracted bull sharks to coastal areas where rivers emptied into the sea.

Source: Taipei Times January 20, 2026 16:39 UTC