Tag Archives: oceania

Sydney shark attack victim ‘healing’ as he comes off life support

A musician who was mauled by a shark in one of the worst spates of attacks seen in a state for years has been taken off life support and is "healing", his family said.

Andre de Ruyter, 27, was one of four victims attacked by sharks in 48 hours last month after he was bitten by a suspected bull shark while surfing at North Steyne Beach in Manly in Sydney on January 19.

He was rushed in a critical condition to the Royal North Shore Hospital and had his lower right leg amputated. 

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Andre de Ruyter, 27, was one of four victims attacked by sharks in 48 hours last month after he was bitten by a suspected bull shark while surfing at North Steyne Beach in Manly on January 19.

His family today said he is a "survivor".

"He's just been able to come off his breathing tube and is healing exceptionally," his family said in a social media post.

"The doctors are seeing more positive signs towards his recovery, however say we have a long journey ahead."

His family also thanked those who donated blood, saying he needed 13 bags.

They also posted an image of his hospital wall covered with photos and a photo of his dog, Luna, visiting him.

The family started an online fundraiser for prosthetics and rehabilitation to support his recovery, which has already raised more than $16,900. 

Nico Antic was first to be attacked by a suspected bull shark after jumping off rocks at Neilson Park, near Shark Beach, in Vaucluse on January 18.

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Andre de Ruyter, 27, was one of four victims attacked by sharks in 48 hours last month after he was bitten by a suspected bull shark while surfing at North Steyne Beach in Manly in Sydney on January 19.

The 12-year-old junior lifesaver later died in hospital. 

In the 48 hours that followed, Ruyter was bitten by a suspected bull shark, the same day as an 11-year-old boy's surfboard was bitten by a shark at Dee Why Beach.

Also, 39-year-old Paul Zvirzdinas received minor injuries after his board and wetsuit were bitten by a shark at Point Plomer near Port Macquarie.

The attacks were attributed to previous wild weather considered a "once-in-a-500-year event", which created the perfect environment for bull sharks to lurk in coastal waters around Sydney and wider NSW.

The heavy rain caused unusually high levels of freshwater to run through rivers and estuaries into saltwater systems and beaches, creating brackish water.

Bull sharks are one of the few species of sharks that can tolerate brackish waters.

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NSW Police granted additional powers ahead of Israeli president’s visit

The NSW government has granted police special powers reserved for major events ahead of the arrival of Israeli President Isaac Herzog next week.

NSW Premier Chris Minns this morning called for calm and respect ahead of the visit on Monday, explaining the government has declared it a major event under the state's Major Events Act due to the "number of spectators, potential risks to community safety, and the impact of potential protest activity".

"This will grant police additional powers, including closing off or restricting access to major event areas," he said.

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NSW Premier Chris Minns.

"We believe that this declaration is necessary to facilitate the visit in a manner that protects public safety."

Failure to comply with lawful police direction could result in fines of up to $5500 or exclusion from the major event area. 

The declaration, however, is not a ban on protests or marches, with police still aware of demonstrations planned to contest the visit of the controversial president.

Police are preparing for the marches, saying that 3500 officers will be deployed across the city for the duration of Herzog's three-day visit.

"It's a significant policing presence, there's no doubt about it," NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.

"This is not business as usual.

"Having a head of state in NSW is something significant."

The Palestine Action Group has said that up to 5000 people will march from Town Hall to State Parliament to oppose the visit of the Israeli President.

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Demonstrators during a Pro Palestine rally organised by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney held at Hyde Park in Sydney on October 6, 2024. Photo: Dominic Lorrimer

The government has emphasised that the major event declaration is being imposed to prevent the clash of mourners and protesters. 

"This is about keeping people safe, lowering the temperature and ensuring Sydney remains calm and orderly," Minns said.

The Albanese government invited the Israeli president to Australia to mourn with the Jewish community following December's terror attack in Bondi.

The NSW Police Commissioner announced earlier this week the extension of the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD) for certain parts of Sydney for the next two weeks.

The declaration means public assemblies will be restricted in Sydney's eastern suburbs and parts of Sydney's CBD, excluding Hyde Park.

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NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon.

Form 1 applications for the approval of public assemblies will also not be accepted in certain areas.

Despite Monday's planned protest falling within the restricted zone, members of the legislative councils have asked police to have their form 1 application granted. 

"We remind you that the United Nations Special Commission of Inquiry has found that Isaac Herzog is guilty of direct and public incitement to commit genocide under article III(c) of the Genocide Convention," the statement reads.

"We urge you to grant this request and work with the organisers to ensure that this assembly and march event can go ahead."

"We are gravely concerned about the report that you intend to employ some 500 police officers to the protest event and the report of Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan threatening to arrest people who wish to march on the planned route."

The government is also urging people to avoid the city during peak periods on Monday afternoon and evening due to the expected congestion.

"If you don't need to be in Sydney CBD on Monday afternoon, unless it's absolutely essential, we ask that you not stick around in that area," Minns said.

"We know that's an inconvenience for some people, but there'll be an enormous number of NSW Police."

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