Additional Coverage:
Tragedy in Esperance as Surfer Presumed Dead After Shark Attack
A surfer is presumed dead following a shark attack off Wharton Beach in Esperance, Western Australia, on Monday. The attack occurred around 12:10 p.m. local time. A search effort involving police, marine rescue, and other emergency responders was launched but called off Tuesday afternoon after failing to recover the surfer’s body.
Senior Sergeant Christopher Taylor of the Esperance Police Station confirmed the search had shifted from rescue to recovery, calling the situation “heartbreaking.” He stated that drone footage captured after the incident showed a significant amount of blood and the shark.
The victim, a man in his 30s visiting from Melbourne, was identified by local media as Steven Jeffrey Payne. According to reports, Payne’s partner witnessed the tragic event.
Sergeant Taylor expressed condolences to the family, describing them as distraught and trying to cope with the loss. The local community is also grieving this tragedy.
Wharton Beach remained closed Monday and Tuesday but is expected to reopen Wednesday. Authorities have reported no further shark sightings.
While Western Australia is home to around 100 shark species, most are not considered aggressive. The species involved in the attack has not been identified.
Shark attacks are rare in Australia, with 255 fatal incidents recorded since 1791. This incident follows another presumed fatal shark attack in South Australia earlier this year.