Additional Coverage:
- Spearfisherman killed by suspected 15-foot shark after third fatal attack in less than a month (foxnews.com)
A tragic incident occurred late Saturday morning off the coast of Western Australia when a fisherman lost his life following an attack by a suspected shark measuring nearly 15 feet. The 35-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, was spearfishing near Michaelmas Island, a protected sand cay located in King George Sound, close to the city of Albany.
Michaelmas Island lies approximately 240 miles south of Perth, the state capital. This recent fatality marks the third deadly shark attack in Australia within a month, a notable increase compared to the country’s average of about three shark-related deaths per year.
Emergency responders transported the man to shore by boat, but despite their efforts, paramedics were unable to revive him.
Earlier incidents this year include the death of 39-year-old Michael Jensz on May 24, who suffered fatal head injuries while spearfishing off the Great Barrier Reef’s northeast coast, with a bull shark believed to be responsible. On May 16, 38-year-old Steve Mattabonni was killed by a white shark near Rottnest Island, a popular resort in Western Australia, also while spearfishing. Additionally, in January, a 12-year-old boy died a week after a shark attack in Sydney Harbor.
Commercial fisherman Gregory Sharp told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that an increase in larger sharks is typical during this time of year due to the presence of sardines and salmon along the coast. He also noted that shark attacks are more common in areas with abundant seal populations, such as King George Sound.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook expressed his condolences in a Facebook post, stating, “This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, as well as the first responders.”