Shark Attack Survivor Loses Leg, Comes off Life Support: ‘Long Journey Ahead’

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Feb 9, 2026 12:06 PM ET

A few weeks back, 27-year-old Andre de Ruyter was surfing near Manly Beach, Australia when he was attacked by a suspected bull shark. Fellow surfers in the water at the time, who helped get de Ruyter to shore, described the scene like a “horror movie.”

What followed was a heroic effort to keep de Ruyter alive, including a helicopter landing on the beach to administer blood right then and there, a pit stop between ambulances to deliver more blood while en route to the hospital, and finally, surgeons got to work.

Now, a bit of good news in de Ruyter’s recovery. Doctors amputated a leg below the knee following the mauling, but his family reports he is off life support.

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In a GoFundMe account created by Andre’s sister, Alysha, here’s the latest update:

“We're incredibly grateful to say that Andre is a shark attack survivor. An amazing team was able to save Andre's life a few weeks ago at Manly beach, and get him to the hospital. Andre has just moved off life support, and the doctors are seeing more positive signs towards his recovery, however they say we have a long journey ahead. Our family would greatly appreciate any small donation or sharing this to help fund the support, prosthetics and rehabilitation needed to get Andre back to himself.

“Thank you to all the care and support we've already received, from first responders, medical teams and friends.”

De Ruyter was just one of a handful of shark attack victims during a terrifying 48-hour timeframe in the Sydney region. Sadly, 12-year-old Nico Antic passed away after he was mauled while swimming with friends in the Sydney harbor.

The attacks were attributed to heavy rains, which preceded the assaults, and made for murky water. In those conditions, experts called it “a perfect storm for bull sharks.”

Support Andre de Ruyter’s recovery via GoFundMe here.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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