The 38-year-old was bitten at a popular diving and fishing spot near the city of Perth, police say.
Published On 16 May 2026
In a tragic incident off the coast of Australia, a man has lost his life following a shark attack. This event has raised concerns about marine safety in popular recreational areas.
A man has died from his injuries after being attacked by a great white shark in western Australia, authorities say.
The attack unfolded just before 10am local time Saturday (02:00 GMT) off Rottnest Island, west of the city of Perth, Western Australia police said in a statement.
Recommended Stories
list of 4 items
end of list
Australia’s ABC News reported that the 38-year-old victim was taken by boat to Geordie Bay Jetty, where paramedics and police performed CPR. He died at the scene.
Images published by the outlet show ambulance and rescue crews gathered at the popular diving and fishing spot, Horseshoe Reef.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development told the AFP news agency that the shark measured four metres (13 feet) and confirmed it was a long great white.
The attack marked the first fatal shark incident in Western Australia since last March, when a man was mauled while surfing at Wharton Beach in a remote area.
A string of attacks along the country’s eastern coast earlier this year triggered the closure of several New South Wales beaches.
Last September, a rare fatal attack unfolded off a Sydney beach, killing an experienced surfer in his 50s.
The most recent deadly mauling in Sydney before that was in 2022, when a 35-year-old British diving instructor became the first person to be killed in an attack off the city in nearly 60 years.
The majority of shark incidents occur along the east and southeast seaboard of Australia, with an average of 20 such occurrences a year, according to Australia’s Institute of Health and Welfare.
Key Takeaways
- A tragic shark attack near Rottnest Island resulted in a fatality.
- The victim, a 38-year-old man, died shortly after being transported to shore.
- This incident is the first fatal shark attack in Western Australia since March 2025.
- The shark involved was identified as a great white, measuring four meters.
- Shark incidents are more common along the east and southeast coasts of Australia.
FAQ
What happened during the shark attack?
A 38-year-old man was bitten by a great white shark while diving off Rottnest Island and later died from his injuries.
Where did the incident occur?
The attack took place near Horseshoe Reef, a well-known diving and fishing spot close to Perth.
Is this the first fatal shark attack this year?
No, it is the first fatal attack in Western Australia this year, but there have been other incidents reported elsewhere in Australia.
What kind of shark was involved?
The shark involved in the attack was identified as a long great white, measuring approximately four meters in length.
Are shark attacks common in Australia?
While they are relatively rare, Australia experiences an average of 20 shark attacks annually, primarily along its eastern and southeastern coasts.
