A man has died after being attacked by a shark off Western Australia's coast on Saturday, police confirmed, marking the second fatal shark attack in Australia so far this year.
Incident Details
The 38-year-old victim was bitten on Saturday morning at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island, approximately 31 km (19.2 miles) west of the state capital Perth. The man, who has not yet been publicly identified, was brought to shore but could not be revived. Police stated that a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Public Advisory
State authorities have advised people to exercise extra caution in the waters around Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination. Aerial footage from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation showed a police boat, officers, and a rescue helicopter with a stretcher at the scene.
Context of Shark Attacks in Australia
This attack follows the death in January of a boy bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbour, after a series of shark attacks along the country's east coast. According to Australia's Institute of Health and Welfare, most shark attacks occur along the east and southeast seaboard, with an average of around 20 incidents per year.
