Overview
- The 38-year-old spearfisher, bitten just before 10am Saturday near Horseshoe Reef off Rottnest Island, died after CPR at the Geordie Bay jetty.
- Police said he was on the surface about 80 metres from shore and 20 metres from his boat when a shark bit his lower legs as friends looked on.
- DPIRD confirmed the predator was a long great white about four metres, and Surf Life Saving WA reported a large white shark sighted about 80 metres offshore around that time.
- Water Police, island emergency crews and an RAC rescue helicopter responded, and authorities are now patrolling the area and urging extra caution around Horseshoe Reef and Marjorie Bay.
- WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner, and officials note this is Australia’s second fatal shark attack in 2026 and Western Australia’s first since March 2025.