Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Shark Kills Swimmer Off Western Australia Beach
A man was swimming near Sorrento Beach in Western Australia when a shark bit him.
He died from the attack.
The incident happened about 50 metres from shore.
Police and rescue teams searched the water using boats and helicopters.
Nearby beaches were closed to help keep people safe.
The type of shark was not identified.
Another man was badly injured by a shark at Glenfield Beach earlier in the same week.
Several other people have died or been seriously hurt in shark attacks in Australia this year.
A shark killed a male swimmer off Sorrento Beach near Perth on Friday, police said.
The attack occurred about 50 metres offshore, according to Surf Life Saving WA.
Police helicopters and boats searched the area after emergency services were called.
Authorities closed nearby beaches until further notice, while the shark species remained unidentified.
It was the fourth shark-attack death reported in Australia this year and the second attack in Western Australia this week.
- Who
- A male swimmer was killed; the shark’s species was not identified.
- What
- A shark attacked and killed the swimmer.
- When
- Friday morning; the specific date was not provided.
- Where
- About 50 metres offshore from Sorrento Beach near Perth, Western Australia.
- Why
- The reason for the shark attack was not stated; beaches were closed as a safety measure.
- Location
- Sorrento Beach, near Perth, Western Australia
- Distance offshore
- About 50 metres (160 feet)
- Victim
- An unidentified male swimmer
- Response
- Police helicopters and boats searched the waters
- Beach closures
- Nearby beaches were closed until further notice
- Australia fatalities
- The incident was reported as the fourth shark-attack death in Australia this year
- Western Australia attacks
- It was the second shark attack in Western Australia that week