A dramatic encounter with a shark unfolded on Monday morning at Cabarita Beach, NSW, leaving one surfer with an extraordinary story to tell. Local resident Brad Ross survived the incident unscathed despite the shark taking a massive bite out of his surfboard, splitting it in half.
Shark Encounter Caught on Camera
At around 7:30 am, Ross was surfing off Norries Headland when the shark struck. Footage captured by local drones and beach cams showed the moment the predator attacked the board. Social media erupted as images of Ross posing with his damaged board surfaced, and even surfing legend Kelly Slater commented, “How does it bite that much and miss the guy? Insane!”
Local journalist Nicka Atkins confirmed a great white shark had been spotted in the area using drone surveillance. Authorities later stated the beach was immediately closed following the incident.
Increased Shark Activity at Cabarita Beach
This isn’t the first shark encounter in the area. Surf Life Saving NSW warned in early July about rising shark activity near Cabarita Beach. On June 29, a 16-year-old swimmer was attacked off the same headland, sustaining injuries but escaping by fighting off the shark. Days later, a two-meter bull shark was also sighted offshore.
The Australian UAV Service has been deploying drones to monitor the coastline, offering early warnings and enhancing public safety. In a social media post, Surf Life Saving NSW urged visitors to adhere to safety guidelines and avoid entering the water at the beach until further notice.
Beach Closures and Public Safety
The Tweed Shire Council released a statement after Monday’s attack: “We’ve been advised by NSW Surf Life Saving that Cabarita Beach at Norries Headland is currently closed due to a shark bite incident earlier this morning. No one was injured during the incident. We will provide more information as it comes to hand.”
As shark sightings continue to rise, authorities stress the importance of vigilance and cooperation with lifesavers to ensure public safety. Drones remain a critical tool in detecting and responding to potential threats along the coastline.
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