Shark catch-and-kill order issued after swimmer dies off popular Perth beach

A 63-year-old man has died after being bitten by a shark off Sorrento Beach in Perth’s northern suburbs, according to Western Australia police. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 10.30am on Friday after reports of a shark-related incident. The man was swimming along the coast when he was attacked, and he succumbed to his injuries. The exact location of the attack is near the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club, approximately 50 metres offshore. Emergency responders, including water and air units, conducted an extensive search of the area. Despite efforts, the swimmer’s body was not found. The Alkimos Surf Life Saving Club announced that Sorrento Beach would remain closed until noon on Saturday. Locals were advised to stay out of the water until the beach was deemed safe for swimming. The City of Wanneroo also closed all other beaches along its coastline during the same period. WA police continued searching the shoreline on Saturday morning but confirmed the 63-year-old had not yet been located. A local state MP, Liam Staltari, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, extending his condolences to the man’s family and friends. “Like all locals and people from across WA, I’m deeply saddened by the tragic death of a man following today’s shark attack at Sorrento beach,” he said. “Our entire community is thinking of you at this incredibly difficult time.” Witness accounts provide additional insight into the incident. Darrel Haythornthwaite, a local, told 7News that he could not believe the attack had occurred, especially in such a popular spot. He noted that the man’s friend, who was swimming with him, managed to return to shore but was deeply upset. “He felt bad because he didn’t go back to save his mate and I said, ‘Nah you couldn’t have done that,’” Haythornthwaite said. “There’s nothing that anyone could have done.” Ingrid Mitchell, another witness, shared her perspective. She stated that she swims daily at the beach and does not expect shark attacks outside of dawn and dusk. “There was other swimmers in there … just near the seaweed, and there was one poor girl there who was sun-baking, and she saw the whole lot as well,” she said. Jacqui Rapaic, who was walking along the beach with a friend, described the moment she witnessed the attack. “My friend said, ‘Jac, I think there’s been a shark attack,’ and I looked out to the ocean and I could see a pool of blood,” she said. “I hugged on to my friend … [we] felt rather traumatised at that point. It happened so quickly.” This incident follows a shark attack on Monday at Glenfield Beach, north of Geraldton on WA’s mid-west coast, which left a surfer with serious injuries. The surfer was taken to the nearby Geraldton health campus and was in stable condition. A local man, Ryan Rowe, described the scene to The West Australian. He said a woman ran out of the water screaming that someone had been bitten by a shark. “ Basically the shark grabbed him again, pulled him back down, and then it went out a bit further. It popped back up again, and then went back down, and they haven't seen the body since.” Rowe added that locals were shocked by the incident, noting the amount of blood that came from the victim. Daniel Saligari, a local tradesman, reported seeing a large pool of blood near the shore. Police remained at the scene, conducting a major search and rescue operation. A spokesperson stated that further information would be provided once police had established the circumstances of the incident and, if necessary, informed the family. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has launched an investigation into the incident. They are working with local authorities and will release updates as information becomes available. Sorrento Beach has been closed, and residents have been advised to take precautions at surrounding beaches. Sorrento Beach, which is a popular tourist destination, had previously featured an eco shark barrier installed in 2016. This barrier, approximately 670 meters long and 400 meters wide, was removed in 2020. Richard Lailey, a local resident living 800 meters from the beach, commented on the removal of the barrier. He recalled a recent encounter with a great white shark and noted that the shark SMART drumline was triggered about 10 days prior. Lailey suggested that the lack of a shark net might contribute to the risk, given the seasonal migration of whales and the prevailing weather conditions. Mandy, another local, echoed similar concerns. She mentioned that the shark net had been removed several years ago due to issues with the swell causing damage. She emphasized the need for better shark mitigation methods, suggesting increased tagging of sharks as a potential solution. The incident highlights ongoing challenges related to marine safety in the region, with multiple shark attacks reported in recent months. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess the broader implications of these incidents.