Details of the Attack

The incident took place just before 10:00 local time on Saturday at Horseshoe Reef—north-west of Rottnest Island near Perth. A 38-year-old man was spearfishing with friends from Perth’s northern suburbs when he was bitten by the shark about 80 meters from shore and 20 meters from his boat. The attack occurred on his legs. According to WA Police Sergeant Michael Wear; Aerial footage showed the man being rushed to shore by boat, where paramedics and police performed CPR at Geordie Bay jetty. “Sadly the man was unable to be revived,” a police spokesperson said.

Historical Context and Reactions

This is the first fatal shark attack in Western Australia since March 2025, when a surfer was mauled to death off a remote beach. It is also the second fatal attack in Australia this year, following a January incident in Sydney Harbour where a boy was killed. Since records began in 1791, there have been almost 1,300 recorded shark attacks in Australia, with more than 260 resulting in death, according to the state’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Toronga Conservation Society reported that about 20 shark attacks are reported in Australia annually, of which less than three are fatal.

Official Response and Public Safety

WA Police urged the public to take “additional caution” in waters around the area. Premier Roger Cook expressed his condolences on Facebook, stating, “It is deeply distressing to hear news of a fatal shark attack off Rottnest today. It is a devastating time for all involved… I would encourage anyone impacted by this tragedy to reach out for support.” The man’s parents issued a joint statement saying they were “heartbroken.” The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed it received a report of the man being bitten by a great white shark.