Why was Angels Beach closed?

Angels Beach was closed on Thursday, January 29, 2026, after a surfer reported being knocked off their board by a shark.

Who was the 12-year-old fatally attacked by a shark in Sydney?

The 12-year-old fatally attacked by a bull shark near Nielsen Park was Nico Antic, who died on January 22, 2026, after the attack on January 18.

What measures is NSW taking to improve beach safety?

NSW has allocated an additional $4.2 million to beach safety programs, including shark tagging, monitoring, listening stations, and extended drone patrols.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / NSW Beach Shut After Shark Sighting, Sydney Mourns Boy

NSW Beach Shut After Shark Sighting, Sydney Mourns Boy

29 Jan

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Summary

Angels Beach closed after surfer narrowly missed by shark.
12-year-old Nico Antic fatally attacked by bull shark in Sydney.
NSW increases beach safety funding amid recent shark incidents.

NSW Beach Shut After Shark Sighting, Sydney Mourns Boy

Angels Beach on the NSW Far North Coast has been closed due to a shark sighting on Thursday morning, January 29, 2026. A surfer was reported to have been knocked off their board by a shark but managed to return to shore unharmed. The beach will remain closed indefinitely.

This event follows the recent fatal shark attack on 12-year-old Nico Antic, who died on January 22, 2026, days after a bull shark attacked him near Nielsen Park in Sydney's east on January 18. His school, Rose Bay Secondary College, is organizing a community paddle-out in his memory.

The state of NSW has responded to a series of shark attacks by increasing beach safety funding by $4.2 million. These funds will support shark tagging, monitoring, and the installation of listening stations. Drone patrols will also be expanded to cover more beaches daily until the end of the April school holidays.