Statement Concerning Fish Bite Incident on 16 October 2026

Local Authorities are aware that two visitors received lacerations to their hands and fingers due to a fish bite that took place earlier today south of Governor’s Beach.

Emergency services responded promptly, and both individuals were transported to the hospital to receive medical treatment and have now been discharged.

Following the incident, the Department of Environment (DOE) has conducted two drone flights in the area and will continue to assess the circumstances of the incident.

As a precautionary measure, local authorities are advising all persons entering the water to be mindful not to wear jewellery, including rings or watches, or any shiny objects in the water. While the type of fish involved in this incident has not been confirmed, barracudas are known to follow schools of smaller fish into shallows near the shoreline, bringing them closer to people. In these situations, they can mistake shiny objects like jewellery for the flash of a fish. Additionally, the public is advised fish feeding is not permitted anywhere along beaches as this can attract predatory fish and encourage them to associate people with food.