A shocking shark attack has rocked public opinion in Western Australia, claiming the life of a 35-year-old man while he was spearfishing with his family. This marks the third serious ocean-related incident involving sharks in Australia within just the past month.

The incident unfolded in an instant

The victim was involved in the tragedy just before 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, about 10 meters off the coast of Michaelmas Island. The island is located approximately 13 km from the coast of Albany.

According to a confirmation from WA Police, the victim was spearfishing with his family when he was suddenly attacked by a shark. Although his family managed to quickly get the victim onto a boat to bring him to shore for the SJA WA paramedics, the man was unable to be revived.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development stated that the shark involved in the attack was estimated to be 4.5 meters long. The agency is currently coordinating closely with local police to investigate the incident.

An alarming string of tragedies

The incident at Michaelmas Island follows a series of recent heartbreaking ocean tragedies in Australia. On May 24, experienced spearfisherman Michael Jensz died while diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland. Prior to that, on May 16, Steven Mattaboni (38), a father of two, also lost his life after being bitten on the legs by a great white shark while diving off Rottnest Island. His family shared that it was an activity he had done thousands of times before and there were “no signs of danger” before the attack occurred.

Debate over ocean safety management

Following these consecutive incidents, public opinion in Australia is once again divided over shark management policies. MP Bob Katter has utilized these events to renew calls for a shark cull in Queensland.

Regarding the authorities, Premier Roger Cook expressed his deep condolences to the victim’s family, stating: “his thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, as well as the first responders”.

Currently, authorities have issued safety warnings to swimmers in the waters around Michaelmas Island. The Shark Smart alert system has also recorded a public report of an unknown species of shark, similar in size at 4.5 meters, appearing following the attack. WA Police are currently working urgently to complete the incident report to hand over to the coroner.