Authorities investigate possible shark attack near Sydney’s Manly Beach

Sydney’s famous Manly Beach closed after a man was injured in a suspected shark attack during an early-morning swim.

Manly Beach. Picture: Clinton Mclachlan.

Sydney’s famous Manly Beach has been closed after a man was injured in a suspected shark attack during an early-morning swim.

The local — believed to be in his mid-40s — was swimming with friends at the adjoining Shelly Beach about 6am this morning when he thought he was bitten. He managed to swam to nearby rocks and raise the alarm.

He was treated by paramedics for a puncture wound to his back and injuries to his leg and stomach before being taken to hospital.

NSW Police say no shark has been sighted and Surf Life Saving NSW has deployed a drone to search and monitor the area, a spokesman said.

Manly Beach and Shelly Beach have also been temporarily closed, he said.

#BREAKING: There's been a suspected shark attack at Sydney's Manly beach. #9Today pic.twitter.com/at4E0Yohkw

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) July 1, 2019

Denny Lucas, who was also swimming, said two of his friends heard someone calling out and saw the man on the footpath.

“There were runners yelling to us to get out because he had been bitten by a shark,” he told Seven’s Sunrise. “We swam across and climbed out and stayed with him to help. There were people there helping him. He had a gash on his stomach.”

The Manly resident was taken to Sydney’s Royal North Shore hospital, where he is in a stable condition.

Public #SharkReport: NSW - SYDNEY - SHELLY BEACH (MANLY). 06:00, 02 Jul 19 pic.twitter.com/bWja77kKDk

— Dorsal Shark Reports (@DorsalAus) July 1, 2019

Police are reluctant to label the incident a shark attack as authorities are yet to find a shark at the beach.

“No shark has been sighted at this time and it is unknown how the puncture wound was sustained.” Police said.

NSWDPI is investigating a reported shark bite at Shelly Beach, Manly, prior to 6am this morning. A 40 year old man is reportedly suffering puncture wounds to his chest, abdomen and leg. NSWDPI shark biologists will now work to try to determine size and species involved.

— SharkSmart (@NSWSharkSmart) July 1, 2019

NSW Department of Primary Industries are investigating “a reported shark bite”.

“NSWDPI shark biologists will now work to try to determine size and species involved.” a statement said.