A rare catch-and-kill order has been issued for a great white shark off the coast of Western Australia following a fatal attack that killed 63-year-old Greg O’Neill, according to the BBC. The incident occurred at Sorrento Beach in Perth’s north and has reignited debate about how to keep beachgoers safe in Australia.

Incident Details and Victim Identified

Greg O’Neill was identified as the victim of the attack, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC); his family described him as a generous, devoted family man and a passionate swimmer. Witnesses reported seeing a 2.5m-long shark at the same time as the attack; Jacqui Rapaic told the ABC that two men were swimming, but only one made it back to shore. Another witness said she saw the man being ‘mauled’ as the shark ‘tossed him around like a fish.’

Response and Measures Taken

Authorities in Perth’s Joondalup area, where Sorrento is located, closed all beaches as a precautionary measure and will keep them closed until at least midday on Sunday. The coastline was patrolled by a police boat and helicopter on Saturday; Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis issued the ‘extraordinary’ catch-and-kill order after the shark was positively identified by Water Police before it swam away. She stated the decision considered ‘exceptional circumstances’ and the potential for recovering coronial evidence.

Public Reaction and Search Efforts

Mr. O’Neill’s grief-stricken family visited the beach, and locals paid their respects with floral tributes at the site, according to the ABC; his death is the third fatal shark attack in Western Australia this year and the second this week. Capture gear, normally used to tag sharks, was deployed on Friday to catch the untagged great white; However, unfavorable weather conditions and choppy waters prevented its use on Saturday. Ms. Jarvis stopped short of ordering a widespread shark cull, saying it would not be appropriate.