A man has died after a shark attack while spearfishing with his family off Western Australia’s south coast, marking the third ocean tragedy nationwide in a month.

It unfolded just before 11.30am on Saturday about 10 metres off the coast of Michaelmas Island in King George Sound.

The island is around 13km off the coast of Albany.

“A 35-year-old man was spearfishing with family off Michaelmas Island when he was attacked by a shark,” WA Police said in a statement.

“He was conveyed back to shore by boat where he was met by SJA WA paramedics.

“Sadly, he was unable to be revived.

“WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner.”

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said the man was bitten by a 4.5 metre shark. The agency is assisting WA Police with the “serious” incident.

It is the third shark attack in Australia in a month after experienced spearfisherman Michael Jensz was killed while diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland on May 24.

Father-of-two Steven Mattaboni was bitten on the lower legs by a great white shark off Western Australia’s Rottnest Island on May 16 while spearfishing. The 38-year-old could not be saved.

His family said the much-loved husband’s final dive was something he had done thousands of times before with “no signs of danger” before the attack.

The recent attacks have reignited debate over shark management, particularly in Queensland, with MP Bob Katter using the incidents as a means to renew calls for a shark cull.

Premier Roger Cook has offered his condolences, saying “his thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, as well as the first responders.”

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development urged WA swimmers in the Michaelmas Island area to take caution in the wake of Saturday’s horror attack.

Shark Smart alerts, which monitors shark sightings, showed a public report of a 4.5 metre unknown species of shark in the wake of the attack.