57-year-old survives bloody shark attack on Gunyah Beach in Australia!

57-year-old survives bloody shark attack on Gunyah Beach in Australia!

On March 7, 2025, 57-year-old Mani Zhang experienced a horrific shark attack on Gunyah Beach in Bundeena, Australia. While she was swimming just a few meters from shore, a shark grabbed her leg, turning the water around her blood red. Zhang was unaware of the danger and called for help when the situation became life-threatening. Blake Donaldson, hearing her screams, rushed to the rescue with a paddleboard and brought her to shore. There, Zhang needed urgent medical attention due to massive blood loss and underwent emergency surgery to save her life and preserve her leg. Her full recovery will take time as the injuries were serious.

The causes of shark attacks are controversial among experts. However, they agree that humans are not a natural food source for sharks. Zhang's attack comes at a time when Australia has seen an increase in shark attacks on its shores in 2024, including several fatal incidents. In response to the incident, beaches in the area were closed and helicopters searched for sharks.

Worldwide shark attacks 2024

A recent analysis shows that a total of 47 unprovoked shark attacks on humans were recorded worldwide in 2024, representing a decrease of 22 attacks compared to the previous year. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History's ISAF database, four of these attacks were fatal, also a decrease compared to the ten deaths in 2023. Gevin Naylor, director of the shark research program, suspects the lower numbers represent a statistical fluctuation.

A third of recorded attacks affected surfers, who often swim in murky waters that attract sharks. The US recorded the most attacks with a total of 28, including 14 in Florida, specifically in Volusia County. The only fatal attack in the United States occurred off the northwest coast of Oahu, Hawaii. In Australia, however, several unprovoked attacks were recorded last year, but there were no deaths. It's also worth noting that Australia has all 13 species of sharks known to attack humans.

The danger of shark attacks

Despite the incidents, the likelihood of a shark attack remains extremely low. Experts emphasize that drowning is a far greater danger than shark attacks. The World Health Organization (WHO) also warns against staying in areas where fishing takes place and advises removing reflective jewelry that could attract sharks. Populations of large shark species are currently significantly smaller than in the past, and people and sharks are increasingly in the same waters.

Mani Zhang's incident calls for extra caution when swimming at unguarded beaches like Gunyah Beach, which often lack security measures or immediately available lifeguards.