Overview
- On Friday a man was fatally attacked about 50 metres from shore at Sorrento Beach near Perth while swimming with another person who made it back to shore.
- Police helicopters and boats joined rescue teams in searches and nearby beaches were closed, with SharkSmart advising Sorrento closed to bathers at least until Saturday.
- Multiple witnesses described graphic scenes and blood in the water, and a nurse who saw the attack called the experience deeply distressing.
- The Sorrento death is the second shark attack in Western Australia within days, coming after a serious bite at Glenfield Beach, and follows several fatal attacks around Australia so far in 2026.
- Authorities have not identified the shark species and are investigating the event while Surf Life Saving WA has increased weekend patrols, a move likely to keep coastal monitoring and public safety notices in place.