A 38-year-old man has died following a shark attack off Australia’s western coastline on Saturday, marking the nation’s second deadly shark encounter this year, according to law enforcement officials.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, suffered the attack Saturday morning at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island, located approximately 31 kilometers (19.2 miles) west of Perth, authorities reported.
Emergency responders transported the injured man to shore, but medical personnel were unable to save his life, police confirmed. Officials stated that a coroner’s report will be compiled regarding the incident.
Local government officials have issued warnings urging beachgoers to exercise heightened vigilance while in waters around Rottnest Island, a well-known vacation spot.
Video captured by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from above showed law enforcement vessels, officers on scene, and an emergency helicopter equipped with medical stretcher equipment responding to the location.
This latest incident comes after a young boy lost his life in January when a shark attacked him in Sydney Harbour, following multiple shark encounters reported along Australia’s eastern coastline.
Data from Australia’s Institute of Health and Welfare indicates that the majority of shark attacks happen along the nation’s eastern and southeastern shores, with the country recording approximately 20 such incidents annually.
