Man dies after shark attack at Rottnest Island on 16 May 2026

A 38-year-old spearfisher died near Horseshoe Reef on 16 May 2026. This is the third shark-related death in the area recently.
By Newsroom | News, Western Australia |

PERTH, WA – A 38-year-old man has died following a shark attack off Rottnest Island near Perth, Western Australia, on Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 10:00 am near Horseshoe Reef, a popular spearfishing location. Emergency services, including a rescue helicopter, were dispatched to the scene. Despite immediate treatment, the man could not be revived.

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The attack involved a suspected great white shark, with reports indicating it was between four and five metres long. This incident marks the city’s third recent shark-related fatality. Officials have urged increased caution in the Geordie Bay area and have not ruled out further beach closures.

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Attacker and Victim Details

The man was spearfishing approximately one kilometre offshore and about 20 metres from his boat when the shark attacked. He was with friends at the time, who reportedly assisted him to the Geordie Bay jetty before emergency services were contacted. Witnesses described the scene as "quite horrific." Police are preparing a report for the Coroner.

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Scientific Context and Previous Incidents

Australian scientists are exploring potential links between increasing water temperatures, more crowded ocean conditions, and altered shark migratory patterns, suggesting these factors may contribute to a rise in shark encounters.

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This latest fatality follows a spate of four shark encounters recorded within a two-day period recently, which led to the closure of numerous city beaches.

Location and Response

Rottnest Island, a protected reserve known as Wadjemup, is situated 19 kilometres off the coast of Fremantle and is a significant tourist destination. First responders were observed performing CPR on the man upon their arrival. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has advised people in the area to exercise greater vigilance in and around the water. Water police and air wing crews also responded to the incident.

Keywords: shark attack, Rottnest Island, Perth, spearfishing, great white shark, critical condition, death, Western Australia, emergency services, Coroner

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened at Rottnest Island on 16 May 2026?
A 38-year-old man was killed by a large shark while spearfishing near Horseshoe Reef. Emergency services arrived quickly, but they could not save his life.
Q: How big was the shark that attacked the man at Rottnest Island?
Witnesses and officials believe the shark was a great white shark between four and five metres long. This is considered a very large size for the area.
Q: Is it safe to swim at Rottnest Island after the shark attack?
Authorities have warned people to be very careful in the water near Geordie Bay. They have not ruled out closing more beaches to keep people safe from further attacks.
Q: Why are there more shark attacks in Western Australia recently?
Scientists think warmer water and more people in the ocean might be changing how sharks move. This incident is the third shark-related death in the city recently.