The man died at around 11:25 a.m. local time on Saturday, June 6
Credit: ABC News (Australia)
NEED TO KNOW
- A 35-year-old man died from a shark attack on Saturday, June 6
- He was killed by the animal near Michaelmas Island in Western Australia
- The tragedy marks the third fatal shark attack in the region within four weeks
A 35-year-old man was killed in a shark attack in Western Australia, marking the third fatal encounter in the area in four weeks.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been made public, was attacked off the coast of Michaelmas Island, southeast of Perth, at around 11:25 a.m. local time on Saturday, June 6, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the BBC.
Paramedics attempted to revive the man at the scene, but he didn't survive his injuries, the outlets reported, citing the Western Australian (WA) Police.
"He was conveyed back to shore by boat, where he was met by St John Ambulance (SJA) WA paramedics. Sadly, he was unable to be revived,” the WA police said in a statement to ABC.
Authorities are currently preparing a report for the coroner.
Credit: Getty
The incident took place following several other shark attacks in Western Australia in recent weeks.
On May 16, father-of-two Steven Mattaboni died after being bitten by a 13-foot shark at Horseshoe Reef off Rottnest Island. The 38-year-old was spearfishing with three friends when he was attacked, and he died from his injuries at the scene, The Guardian, News.com.au and the ABC reported.
Days later, a 39-year-old man was fatally attacked by a shark while spearfishing at Kennedy Shoal on the Great Barrier Reef off North Queensland in Australia on May 24.
Commercial fisherman Gregory Sharp said that shark activity has increased in the area in recent weeks, leading to more frequent attacks.
"We do see an increase in larger sharks this time of the year, particularly chasing the sardine and the salmon along the coast, which is quite normal," Sharp told ABC. "Particularly in areas where there's a lot of seals, and the island area in King George Sound is renowned for seals."
Credit: File: Getty
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook reacted to the most recent fatal shark attack through a Facebook post, writing, “I am deeply saddened to hear of this morning's fatal shark attack in Albany. This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the victim's family and friends, as well as the first responders.”
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is assisting the WA Police in their investigation.
The group has urged the public to report any shark sightings in the area to authorities, per ABC.
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PEOPLE has reached out to the WA Police, DPIRDD and SJAWA for comment on June 6 but did not immediately hear back.
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