A 38-year-old man has died after being bitten by a shark off the coast of Western Australia on Saturday, marking the second fatal shark attack in Australia this year, police confirmed.
Incident Details
The victim, who has not yet been identified, was attacked at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island, approximately 31 kilometers (19.2 miles) west of the state capital Perth. Police stated that the man was brought to shore but could not be revived. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Authorities Issue Warning
State authorities have advised people to exercise extra caution when entering the water at 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
This attack follows the death of a boy bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbor in January, which was part of a series of shark attacks along Australia's east coast. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, most shark attacks occur along the east and southeast seaboard, with an average of around 20 incidents per year.
