Man Killed in Great White Shark Attack off Western Australia

A 38-year-old man has died after being attacked by a large shark off the coast of Western Australia, authorities said.

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The incident occurred shortly before 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT) on Saturday at Horseshoe Reef, located north-west of the popular tourist destination of Rottnest Island near the city of Perth.

Police said the man was bitten by what officials later identified as a great white shark measuring about 13 feet (4 metres) in length.

Emergency Response at Geordie Bay

Aerial footage from local broadcaster Australian Broadcasting Corporation showed the injured man being transported by boat to shore following the attack. He was brought to the jetty at Geordie Bay where emergency services attempted to resuscitate him.

Paramedics and police officers performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene. However, despite their efforts, the man could not be revived.

“Sadly the man was unable to be revived,” a police spokesperson said.

Authorities have not released the victim’s name.

First Fatal Attack in More Than a Year

Officials said the incident marks the first fatal shark attack recorded in Western Australia since March last year. In that case, a surfer was killed after being mauled at a remote beach in the state.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said it had received reports confirming the victim had been bitten by a great white shark.

Following the attack, the department urged people in the region to exercise extra caution when entering the water.

Shark Attacks in Australian Waters

Australia has one of the world’s highest recorded numbers of shark encounters. Since official records began in 1791, nearly 1,300 shark attacks have been documented across the country.

More than 260 of those incidents have resulted in fatalities.

Earlier this year, several shark attacks were reported along the coast of New South Wales within a short period.

In January, four separate incidents occurred over two days, including an attack in Sydney’s harbour.

One of the victims was 12-year-old Nico Antic, who had jumped from rocks into the harbour before being attacked by what authorities believed to be a bull shark. He died a week later from his injuries.

In a joint statement issued after his death, the boy’s parents said they were “heartbroken”.

Authorities continue to monitor waters around Rottnest Island following Saturday’s fatal attack and have reminded beachgoers and boaters to remain alert in the area.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 May 2026