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Fatal shark attack near Perth
A 38-year-old man died after being bitten by a 4-meter great white shark on Saturday morning near Rottnest Island, Western Australian authorities confirmed.
Incident details
Police reported the attack occurred just before 10:00 local time (03:00 BST) at Horseshoe Reef, located northwest of the popular tourist destination. Emergency responders transported the victim by boat to Geordie Bay jetty, where paramedics and officers performed CPR.
Despite efforts, the man could not be revived, a police spokesperson stated.
Authorities respond
The state's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed the species involved and urged swimmers to exercise heightened caution in the area's waters.
"The public should take additional caution when entering waters around this region," the department advised.
Recent shark attacks in Australia
This marks Western Australia's first fatal shark incident since March 2025, when a surfer was killed at a remote beach. Historical records dating back to 1791 document nearly 1,300 shark attacks nationwide, with over 260 proving fatal.
In January 2026, New South Wales experienced four shark attacks within 48 hours. Among the victims was 12-year-old Nico Antić, who suffered fatal injuries after being bitten by a suspected bull shark while jumping from rocks in Sydney Harbour. He died a week later, with his parents describing their grief in a public statement.
Safety warnings
Local officials continue to monitor coastal areas and advise beachgoers to follow posted safety guidelines when swimming or engaging in water activities.
