A controversial catch-and-kill order has been authorized off the coast of Western Australia following the death of 63-year-old swimmer Greg O’Neill at Sorrento Beach on Friday. As of Saturday, his body has not been recovered.
Western Australian Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed that the order was issued after water police positively identified a great white shark involved in the incident on Saturday morning. Citing “exceptional circumstances” and the ongoing hazard posed by the animal, Jarvis authorized officers to destroy the shark if it could be captured. She emphasized that this measure, believed to be the first of its kind in the state in a decade, does not constitute a widespread cull.
Beaches across the region, including those in the capital Perth, remain closed until at least midday Sunday as a precautionary safety measure. Aerial and maritime patrols are currently underway to locate the shark.
Witnesses described a violent encounter. Jacqui Rapaic told the ABC that while two men were in the water, only one returned to shore, noting she saw a “pool of blood” in the sea. Another local reported seeing the man being mauled and tossed around like a fish by the predator. Reports indicate the shark was approximately 2.5 meters (8ft 2in) long.
Greg O’Neill’s family released a statement expressing their devastation. They described him as a passionate swimmer and a generous, witty individual who loved the ocean. Family members visited the beach on Saturday, where locals have left flowers in tribute.
This tragedy marks the second shark attack in Western Australia this week and the third fatal incident in the state this year. On Monday, a 56-year-old surfer lost part of his leg in an attack off the coast of Geraldton but survived. Nationally, there have been five fatal shark attacks in Australia so far this year, including the deaths of a 12-year-old boy in Sydney Harbour in January and three divers between May and June.
The use of lethal force against sharks remains a contentious issue in Australia, where great whites are a protected species. The state faced significant public protests in 2014 when a previous cull policy was implemented following a series of attacks.
We need to remember this isn’t an isolated incident. With five fatal attacks this year nationally, something has to shift in how we manage coastal safety.
Only one man returned to shore? That sounds terrifying. I hope they find his body soon so his family can have some closure.
Great whites are protected, so I understand the legal hesitation. But issuing a kill order feels like giving up on non-lethal deterrents too quickly.
Wait, is this really the first kill order in a decade? That seems like an incredibly long time between fatal incidents. What changed?
I am so sorry for Greg’s family. It is absolutely heartbreaking that this had to happen to someone so passionate about the ocean.