Fourth Fatal Shark Attack in Australia
Diver killed by shark off Michaelmas Island, fourth fatal attack in Australia this year
A diver died after being attacked by a suspected 4.5-metre shark near Michaelmas Island off the south coast of Western Australia, an area close to Albany, with police saying the man was spearfishing when the attack occurred. The incident was reported shortly before midday, and paramedics attempted to revive the victim after he was taken back to shore. Authorities said it was Australia’s fourth fatal shark attack this year and the second fatal incident in Western Australia, coming about two weeks after a deadly shark attack in Queensland and following another recent WA death near Rottnest Island. The Department of Primary Industries and other officials urged people to take additional caution, monitor local shark sightings, and stay clear of the area while conditions are assessed. Marine experts pointed to warmer ocean temperatures and shifting shark migratory patterns, alongside increasing human use of coastal waters, as factors that may be contributing to more frequent encounters.
Key Points
Western Australia police identified the victim as a 35-year-old man and said he was “spearfishing with family off Michaelmas Island when he was attacked by a shark,” adding: “Sadly, he was unable to be revived.”
Authorities reported the incident at about 11:25 a.m. local time (0325 GMT), prompting an emergency response and urgent medical assistance attempts.
The attack occurred off Michaelmas Island, about 388 km southeast of Perth.
Officials said the death was the second fatal shark attack in Western Australia this year, following “a great white attack last month near Perth.”
A broader context provided by scientists: around 20 shark attacks are reported in Australia each year (most non-fatal), while the average for shark-related fatalities is 3—2026 is already above that with 4 fatal attacks.
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