Shark Kill Order Issued After Fatal Perth Attack

A 63-year-old swimmer, Greg O'Neill, was killed by a shark at Sorrento Beach in Perth, Western Australia, on September 18, 2026. In response, Western Australia's Fisheries Minister, Jackie Jarvis, authorized a rare catch-and-kill order for the shark involved, marking an extraordinary step due to the exceptional circumstances.

The attack occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time while O'Neill was swimming with a friend approximately 50 metres offshore. Witnesses reported seeing blood in the water, and the friend was consoled by rescuers upon reaching shore. Lifesavers attempted a rescue but were unable to locate O'Neill, whose body has not been recovered as of September 20, 2026.

Authorities identified the shark as a great white, with water police positively confirming its involvement. However, the shark remains at large. Minister Jarvis stated that the catch-and-kill order was issued because the shark posed an ongoing threat and to assist in recovering potential coronial evidence. "Given the shark had been positively identified, remained in the vicinity following a fatal attack, and was considered to pose an ongoing threat, I authorised fisheries officers to destroy the shark if it...