Perth Shark Attack: Beaches Shut as Deadly Incident Prompts Rare Kill Order
Authorities in Western Australia are still searching for the shark that killed a swimmer on Friday.
A rare catch-and-kill order has been issued for a great white shark off the coast of Western Australia, following a fatal attack on a man while swimming at a popular beach. His body remains missing.
Beaches along the state's coast, including Perth, will remain closed until at least Sunday while authorities search for the responsible shark. This incident marks the third fatal shark attack in Western Australia this year and the second in a week.
The swimmer, identified as 63-year-old Greg O'Neill, was swimming at Sorrento Beach in Perth's north when he was attacked. Witnesses described seeing a pool of blood in the water and a large shark tossing the victim around.
Public reports indicated a 2.5m (8ft 2in) shark was seen in the area.
Local authorities closed all beaches "as a precautionary measure" and will maintain the closures until at least midday on Sunday. Police boats and helicopters are assisting in the search.
Catch-and-kill orders are rarely issued in Australia, where great white sharks are protected species. However, Western Australia Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis took this "extraordinary step" after the shark was positively identified by water police.
Jarvis authorised fisheries officers to destroy the shark if captured due to the exceptional circumstances and the hazard it poses. She noted that this is believed to be the first time such an order has been issued in Western Australia in a decade.
The minister also announced increased use of drones and tagging to enhance beach safety measures.