Diver Dies After Great White Shark Attack Near Perth

A 38-year-old diver died after a shark attack off Rottnest Island near Perth, Western Australia, on May 16. The man was spearfishing with friends at Horseshoe Reef when he was bitten on the legs by a 16-foot great white shark. Friends pulled him from the water and took him by boat to shore, where emergency responders performed CPR.

M. at a location roughly 19 miles off the Perth coast. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development later confirmed prior sightings of a large white shark in the area. Authorities urged the public to exercise additional caution in the Geordie Bay and Rottnest Island area, to follow beach closures, and to report any shark sightings to Water Police.

The fatality marked the second deadly shark attack in Australia in 2026 and the first in Western Australia this year. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development stated that sharks do not actively hunt humans and that attacks are usually triggered by environmental and behavioral factors.

Spearfishing can increase risk because it creates vibrations and introduces injured fish into the water. Sharks may also investigate unfamiliar objects with a bite. Globally, the International Shark Attack File reported 65 confirmed unprovoked shark bites in 2025, with around nine to 12 fatalities.

Australia records roughly 20 shark attacks each year, with fewer than three resulting in fatalities.