Home / Disasters and Accidents / Shark Expert Debunks Dolphin Safety Myth After Fatal Attack
Shark Expert Debunks Dolphin Safety Myth After Fatal Attack
28 Nov, 2025
Summary
- A woman died and her boyfriend was critically injured in a shark attack.
- Dolphins were present moments before the attack, but do not deter sharks.
- Shark bites in NSW have increased significantly since 1980.
A tragic shark attack on NSW's Mid North Coast has resulted in the death of a 25-year-old woman and critical injuries to her 26-year-old boyfriend. The couple was attacked at the remote Kylies Beach near Crowdy Bay while filming dolphins. Despite the presence of dolphins, shark expert Dr. Daryl McPhee clarified that they do not deter sharks and can actually signal their proximity, as they share prey sources or sharks may prey on dolphins themselves.
Dr. McPhee noted a concerning upward trend in shark attacks, particularly "bites" on the water's surface, in NSW and across Australia. He provided statistics showing a dramatic increase in incidents and fatalities between 1980 and 2019. Factors contributing to this rise include an increased number of people participating in water activities and the potential influence of climate change, which may be driving bull sharks into warmer coastal areas like the Greater Sydney region.
As summer approaches, Dr. McPhee advises swimmers to exercise caution. He recommends swimming between flags at patrolled beaches, avoiding areas with schooling fish or murky waters, and staying about a kilometre away from river mouths. If a shark is spotted, he urges people to exit the water calmly and quickly. The incident serves as a grave reminder of the risks associated with swimming at non-patrolled locations.
