A fatal shark attack occurred at Sorrento Beach in Perth’s northern suburbs on Friday, resulting in the death of 63-year-old Greg O’Neill. The swimmer’s body has not yet been located. Authorities have identified the victim through family statements and media reports, with witnesses describing the incident and reporting the presence of a large shark in the vicinity at the time of the attack.
In response to the incident, officials have implemented widespread beach closures along Western Australia’s coastline, including in the Perth area. The closures are set to remain in effect until at least midday on Sunday as search and recovery operations continue. Law enforcement has deployed water police boats and helicopter patrols to monitor the area. This attack marks the second shark incident in the state within a single week and represents the third fatal shark attack in Western Australia during the current year.
WA Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis has authorized a catch-and-kill order for the shark, which was positively identified by water police on Saturday morning as the animal responsible for the attack. The minister characterized the decision as an extraordinary step taken due to the exceptional circumstances and the hazard posed by the shark. According to official statements, this is the first such order issued in the state in approximately 10 years. The authorization allows fisheries officers to destroy the shark if it is captured, though the minister clarified the order does not constitute a widespread cull operation.
Catch-and-kill orders remain controversial in Australia, where great white sharks are protected species. The state government has faced significant public opposition to similar measures in the past, including extensive protests during a 2014 cull following multiple attacks. In response to the current incident, authorities have announced plans to increase the use of drones and shark-tagging technology to enhance beach safety for the public.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of shark attacks in the region. A separate attack occurred on Monday when a 56-year-old surfer was bitten off Geraldton, approximately 270 miles north of Perth, resulting in the loss of part of his leg. Australia has experienced five fatal shark attacks during the current year, with incidents occurring in multiple states including New South Wales and Queensland.
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