A 35-year-old diver was killed in a shark attack off the coast of Western Australia on Saturday, marking the country's fourth fatal shark attack this year. The man, who was spearfishing with family near Michaelmas Island, southeast of Perth, was attacked by a suspected 4.5-meter shark around 11:25 a.m. local time. He was taken to shore by boat, where paramedics attempted to revive him, but he could not be saved.
The attack occurred just two weeks after another fatal shark attack in northern Queensland and less than a month after a similar incident near Rottnest Island, also in Western Australia. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and report any shark sightings in the area.
Scientists suggest that increasingly crowded waters and rising ocean temperatures may be altering shark migratory patterns, potentially contributing to the rise in attacks. Local fishermen have also noted an increase in shark activity in the region, particularly larger sharks chasing sardines and salmon along the coast.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is assisting police and local authorities in the investigation. Police will prepare a report for the coroner. The victim's identity has not been publicly released.