A 38-year-old man has been killed by a 13-foot great white shark off the coast of Rottnest Island near Perth, in the first fatal shark attack in Western Australia since March 2025.
The attack occurred at approximately 9.55am local time on Saturday 16 May 2026 at Horseshoe Reef, a popular dive and snorkel spot situated north-west of the island. Surf Life WA reported that a large shark had been spotted approximately 87 yards offshore around the time the man entered the water.
Aerial footage captured the frantic scene as the man was rushed to shore by boat. Paramedics and police officers met the vessel at Geordie Bay Jetty and immediately began CPR in a last-ditch attempt to save his life. Despite their efforts, the man could not be saved. Western Australia's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed the animal responsible was a great white shark.
Beach closures were immediately put in place across the Rottnest Island area, with authorities warning swimmers and divers to stay out of the water until further notice. A report is being prepared for the coroner and a formal investigation is underway.
The tragedy is the latest in a series of shark attacks that have put Australian coastal communities on high alert. Earlier in 2026, four separate attacks were reported along the New South Wales coast within the space of just two days. Among those victims was 12-year-old Nico Antic, who was attacked by a suspected bull shark after jumping from a rock into Sydney Harbour. He died a week later.
Australia has recorded almost 1,300 shark attacks since records began in 1791, with more than 260 proving fatal. Great white sharks are responsible for the majority of deadly incidents. Rottnest Island attracts over 800,000 visitors each year.
Would you still swim at Rottnest after this? 👇
