Swimmer Severely Injured in Shark Attack at Manly Beach

A particularly sustained multiple-bite attack in which the shark seized the victim by each foot in succession and attempted to drag him into deeper water; the victim's survival involved active physical resistance and timely intervention by two named lifesavers, and the case is well-documented across multiple contemporary newspaper sources and cited in Coppleson's 1962 reference work.

On the afternoon of November 8, 1915, Albert Rebecchi, a visitor from Victoria, was bathing in the surf at North Steyne, Manly Beach in New South Wales, Australia. The incident occurred in relatively shallow water—approximately waist-deep—in the presence of other swimmers and children. Without warning, Rebecchi was seized by a shark, which initially caught him by one foot and pulled him forward into the water. Disoriented and initially experiencing only a curious sensation rather than immediate pain, Rebecchi instinctively dug his hands into the sand and struggled against the force dragging him seaward. He managed to shake free momentarily, only to be attacked again by the same shark, which seized his other foot. Upon realizing a shark had him, Rebecchi called out to alert those around him and fought desperately to escape the animal's grip. His vigorous resistance proved successful; he broke free just as life-savers Dowling and Bowden arrived to assist him. Rebecchi immediately collapsed into their arms. Both of his feet and ankles sustained severe lacerations, with flesh hanging in shreds and portions of one foot, including two toes, bitten away. Dr. Devlin provided immediate medical attention at the scene, and Rebecchi was transported to Manly Hospital for further treatment. The species of shark responsible was not identified. According to contemporary records, Rebecchi recovered from his injuries, though the attack remained a notable incident in the early history of shark attacks along the New South Wales coast.