Swimmer killed in fatal shark attack off popular western Australia beach

A man was fatally mauled by a shark when he was swimming near Sorrento Beach in northern Perth suburbia, resulting in the closure of all beaches in the City of Joondalup.

The emergency services arrived at the location shortly after 10:30 a.m., following an incident that involved a shark. According to witnesses, the victim was a man in his 60s who was swimming along with a companion. According to the Western Australia Police Force, the man was killed as a result of the attack.

Some witnesses recounted their experience of what transpired.

An intensive search was undertaken involving a helicopter, Water Police, the RAC Rescue Helicopter, and fisheries boats. No confirmation was made by police on the possible discovery of human remains.

As per the Shark Smart website, there were two reported shark sightings at the time of the incident – one 2.5-meter unidentified shark nearshore at a distance of 160 feet at 10:22 a.m., and another 5-meter white shark spotted in the vicinity at 12:49 p.m.

All city beaches have been shut down by the City of Joondalup. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is assisting in coordinating responses from the respective authorities.

This has been the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year. Three spearfishing divers were killed in May and June, and a 12-year-old boy was killed in January after being attacked in Sydney Harbour. Australia averages two to three fatalities each year since 2000.