Great White Shark Kills Swimmer Near Australian Resort in Second Fatal Attack of Year [WATCH]

A 38-year-old man died Saturday after being attacked by a shark near Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination off Australia’s western coast, as reported by Fox News.

Authorities said the attack happened just before 10 a.m. local time at Horseshoe Reef, an area near the island located about 19 miles west of Perth.

Emergency crews responded after reports that the man had been bitten while in the water. Officials later said the shark involved was believed to be a 13-foot great white shark.

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“A 38-year-old man was in the water at Horseshoe Reef when he was believed to have been bitten by a shark,” a spokesperson for St. John WA Ambulance said.

The victim was transported back to shore by vessel, where paramedics attempted lifesaving measures.

“The man was conveyed by vessel to shore, where he was met by St. John WA paramedics. Sadly, the man was unable to be revived,” the spokesperson added.

Authorities have not yet publicly released the victim’s identity.

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Footage aired by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation showed police boats and rescue crews gathered near the scene following the attack.

Law enforcement and emergency personnel remained in the area as officials monitored water conditions and responded to public safety concerns.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in Perth urged beachgoers and boaters to exercise caution around the area following the incident.

According to BBC News, the agency advised the public to take “additional caution” near Rottnest Island after reports confirmed the shark involved was believed to be a great white.

The fatal encounter marked Australia’s second deadly shark attack of 2026.

A man has died after being mauled by a shark off one of Australia’s most famous islands.
The 38-year-old was attacked off Rottnest Island in WA, and was raced to a nearby jetty for urgent treatment. A four metre great white is believed to be responsible. pic.twitter.com/c0rX0siSex

— 7NEWS Queensland (@7NewsBrisbane) May 16, 2026

The latest incident comes months after another fatal shark attack in Sydney Harbor earlier this year. In January, a 12-year-old boy died one week after he was attacked by a shark in the harbor area.

Officials also reported that three additional shark attacks occurred during the same two-day period along the New South Wales coast, though those victims survived.

Rottnest Island is known as one of Western Australia’s most visited tourist destinations, attracting swimmers, divers, surfers, and boaters throughout the year.

Horseshoe Reef is a well-known area for water activities because of its clear waters and marine life.

Australia has long recorded some of the world’s highest numbers of shark encounters because of its extensive coastline and active beach culture. Great white sharks are commonly found in waters off southern and western Australia.

Authorities have not announced whether beaches or water access points near the island will face temporary restrictions following the attack. Officials continue monitoring the area while investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The attack renewed concerns about shark activity around several Australian coastal regions heading into the country’s cooler months, when sightings can increase in certain waters.

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