Surfer Sustains Minor Injuries in Bull Shark Attack at Point Plomer

On January 20, 2026, a 39-year-old surfer was attacked by a bull shark while surfing at Point Plomer, located north of Port Macquarie on New South Wales' Mid North Coast. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 am in the Tasman Sea during morning conditions. The surfer observed the shark approach and shake his surfboard before he immediately paddled toward shore. His primary concern was reaching land safely. The encounter resulted in minor cuts and abrasions to the victim, who made his own way to Kemsey Hospital for treatment and was subsequently discharged. The shark also caused damage to the surfer's board during the interaction. The victim had surfed at Point Plomer throughout his entire life prior to this incident, though expressed uncertainty about returning to the water following the attack. He reported the incident to police after receiving medical attention. This unprovoked attack was notable as the fourth shark incident involving victims in New South Wales within a 48-hour period. The clustering of attacks prompted authorities to issue public warnings and close multiple beaches along the Mid North Coast to ensure public safety. Such incidents, while relatively rare, underscore the importance of situational awareness in marine environments and the need for coordinated response protocols during periods of increased shark activity.