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Shark attacks in Western Australia

Updated 12 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-21 19:36 UTC → 2026-09-24 04:52 UTC · added removed

Following a series of the fatal shark attacks in Western Australia attack at Sorrento Beach in September 2026, authorities have called off the rare “catch and kill order” issued for the great white shark believed to be responsible for the death of 2026 that killed 63-year-old Greg O’Neill at Sorrento Beach. On a Friday morning, O’Neill was swimming approximately 15 metres offshore with a friend when the attack occurred. Witnesses described a horrific scene, and while O’Neill, local surf life saving clubs have increased their presence to reassure the attack was witnessed by onlookers, O’Neill’s body has not yet been recovered. community. In response to the tragedy, Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis issued a rare catch-and-kill order for a suspected great white shark, estimated to be between five and six metres long. This measure, which had not been utilized in the state for approximately a decade, was intended to mitigate the immediate risk to the public. Despite the deployment of drum lines and the lethal order, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) concluded the operation without success after a weekend of search operations involving drones, boats, and helicopters. Officials stated that the chances of locating the specific shark were “significantly diminished” and noted that no further white shark activity had been detected in the vicinity. While the coastline from Marmion to Iluka, including Sorrento Beach, Iluka has reopened to the public, reopened, authorities continue to recommend caution. Daily caution and have reinstated daily shark surveillance helicopter patrols. Additionally, the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club will begin volunteer patrols have been reinstated ahead earlier than scheduled for the upcoming long weekend. The Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club will also deploy volunteers from 8am to 11am each day of schedule the long weekend to monitor support ocean safety. Sorrento SLSC president Rob Doherty noted that the area. increased patrol presence is a practical step to address community concerns regarding ocean safety following the incident.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-24 04:52 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  2. 2026-09-21 19:36 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  3. 2026-09-21 04:03 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  4. 2026-09-20 12:14 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  5. 2026-09-20 08:10 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  6. 2026-09-20 05:29 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  7. 2026-09-19 19:57 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  8. 2026-09-19 05:40 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  9. 2026-09-18 21:32 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  10. 2026-09-18 14:53 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  11. 2026-09-18 10:34 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  12. 2026-09-18 09:23 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia
  13. 2026-09-18 06:34 UTC Shark attacks in Western Australia

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