#sorrento

en.killbait.com

Sorrento Beach shark attack prompts rare catch-and-kill order for great white shark

A 63-year-old man was fatally attacked by a great white shark while swimming in shallow waters at Sorrento Beach near Perth, Western Australia, on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 10:15am when the man, who was swimming with a friend approximately 15 meters offshore, was attacked in water less than a meter deep. Witnesses reported a significant amount of blood in the water, with one bystander describing the shark attacking the victim a second time after the initial bite. The victim's friend managed to reach the shore unharmed, while the man's body has not been recovered. Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed that a rare catch-and-kill order has been issued for the shark responsible, marking the first such order in approximately 10 years. The minister emphasized that the decision was appropriate given the circumstances of the fatal attack, despite the unusual nature of the measure. Authorities plan to deploy drumlines to capture the shark once weather conditions improve, though current conditions have prevented immediate action. The beach remains closed, with patrols resuming after a weekend pause and daily patrols scheduled to begin on September 26. This incident has reignited concerns about shark safety at Sorrento, where a shark enclosure was removed in 2020 due to operational challenges. The area has seen increased patrols following the attack, with authorities monitoring the situation closely. The victim, who had ridden his bike to the beach with a friend for boogie boarding, was declared deceased at the scene. Local residents and witnesses described the traumatic scene, with one tradesman noting a 'pool of blood' in the water and helicopters arriving shortly after the attack. The Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club later removed the victim's bike from the beach. The attack has prompted renewed discussions about shark safety measures, particularly as the region has not had a shark enclosure since 2020. The catch-and-kill order, while rare, reflects the severity of the incident and the need to protect public safety in the area. Fisheries officers are proceeding with caution, prioritizing their safety and the safety of the public during the operation.