Data reveals two shark attack deaths in NSW in 2025 equals highest annual number since 1955
NSW has recorded 13 shark attack victims in two years, with the latest Kylie’s Beach tragedy marking the equal highest annual fatality rate since 1955.
The Kylie’s Beach tragedy brings to 13 the number of shark attack victims injured or killed in NSW waters over the past two years.
Two deaths in the past three months – at Dee Why and now Crowdy Bay – also represent the equal highest fatality rate in a single year since three people lost their lives to the ocean predators in 1955.
A search of the Australian Shark Incident Database and Sharksider website shows 11 others have been injured in NSW attacks since November 2023, while three have escaped unscathed after sharks bit their surfboards or craft.
Wobbegong sharks have accounted for five attacks. Better known as carpet sharks, they live on the sea floor with most species little more than a metre in length.
Bull sharks have been responsible for four attacks – including the latest fatality – great white sharks for three and a whaler shark left a 16-year-old with severe arm and leg injuries after mauling him at Cabarita Beach, south of Tweed Heads, in June this year.
The latest death follows the fatal attack on Mercury Psillakis, 57, in early September at Dee Why beach.
Mr Psillakis was the victim of a great white said to be 5m in length.
Former pro-surfer Toby Martin said at the time: “It came from behind … breached and dropped straight on him. It’s the worst-case scenario. It was so quick.”
There have been three other fatal attacks in Australia this year, in South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.
The first death from a shark attack in NSW was in 1791, while the worst years on record were 1929 and 1934 when four people were killed.
In 1929, there were three fatalities from shark attacks in January and February alone, two at Bondi Beach and one at Maroubra
More Coverage
Originally published as Data reveals two shark attack deaths in NSW in 2025 equals highest annual number since 1955
Dozens of species in firing line from Hunter renewable project
