Western Australian man killed by shark while swimming

A man has died after being bitten by a shark while spearfishing off the south coast of Michaelmas Island in Western Australia. The incident occurred near the town of Albany, where the victim was with his family.

According to police, the 35-year-old man was attacked by a shark that was approximately 4.5 metres (15ft) in length and of an unknown species. A witness reported seeing the shark near Michaelmas Island, which is not a frequently visited destination.

Paramedics treated the victim at the scene, but he succumbed to his injuries. This incident marks the fourth shark-related fatality in Australia this year.

In January, a 12-year-old boy was killed by a shark in Sydney Harbour. In February, a man died after being attacked by a great white off Rottnest Island near Perth. Additionally, a shark attack occurred off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia earlier this month.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has advised people to exercise caution when visiting the area and to stay informed about any shark sightings. The state’s shark attack record is consistent with national averages, with an average of around 20 incidents recorded annually along Australia’s east and southeast coasts.

Source: Al Jazeera