Swimmer mauled to death by gigantic great white shark after lethal attack in popular holiday destination

Surfer dies after losing 'a number of limbs' in horror attack in Sydney

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GB NEWS

Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 16/05/2026

- 13:09

Surf Life Saving WA reported via social media that a white shark estimated at 16 feet was observed swimming roughly 80 metres from the shoreline

A man has died after being attacked by a great white shark off the coast of Perth.

The 38-year-old man was attacked at Rottnest Island, a well-known tourist destination situated off the coast of Western Australia.


The victim was attacked by the predator in the waters near the protected nature reserve.

The incident occurred at approximately 10am local time on Saturday morning.

Emergency services rushed to the scene as the injured man was brought by boat to the jetty at Geordie Bay.

Despite intensive efforts by both paramedics and police officers to resuscitate him using CPR, the man could not be saved.

A police spokesman confirmed the death.

He said: "WA Police will prepare a report for the Coroner."

A great white shark

A man has died after being attacked by a great white shark off the coast of Perth

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The island lies roughly 19 kilometres from Fremantle.

Following the attack, a significant emergency operation was launched to try to save the victim's life.

The man was transported via boat to the Geordie Bay jetty, where a crowd of first responders had gathered.

Paramedics and police worked together to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation as onlookers watched the desperate attempts to revive him.

A rescue helicopter was also dispatched to the island.

A beach on Rottnest Island

The 38-year-old man was attacked at Rottnest Island, a well-known tourist destination situated off the coast of Western Australia

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Footage captured at the scene showed a man carrying a spearfishing gun aboard a Water Police vessel, which was connected to a smaller boat.

After resuscitation efforts proved unsuccessful, the victim's body was placed on a stretcher and loaded into a waiting ambulance.

Western Australian Police have confirmed they will compile a report for the Coroner's office.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development received reports that the man had been bitten by a shark approximately 13 feet long.

However, Surf Life Saving WA reported via social media that a white shark estimated at 16 feet was observed around 10am, swimming roughly 80 metres from the shoreline.

A beach on Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island remains a protected nature reserve and continues to attract significant numbers of visitors each year

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Authorities have issued warnings urging swimmers and beachgoers to exercise heightened caution in the vicinity of Horseshoe Reef and Marjorie Bay.

DPIRD has confirmed that a patrol vessel will be deployed to monitor the waters in the affected area.

Members of the public visiting the beaches have been asked to report any shark sightings to the relevant authorities immediately.

Rottnest Island remains a protected nature reserve and continues to attract significant numbers of visitors each year.

The UK's Foreign Office lists sharks as a "dangerous animal species" in its travel warnings.