A man has died after a shark attack off Sorrento Beach in Perth. Emergency services were dispatched to the popular beach around 10.30am on Friday following reports of the incident. Western Australia police confirmed that the man sustained injuries while swimming and later died.
Rescue teams, including water and air personnel, conducted a thorough search of the area, but the swimmer’s body has not yet been recovered. Sorrento Beach will remain closed until noon on Saturday, and local authorities have advised residents to avoid the water until it is deemed safe.
The City of Wanneroo has also closed all other nearby beaches until the same time. Local MP Liam Staltari expressed his condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones, stating he is deeply saddened by the tragic event.
Witness Darrel Haythornthwaite told 7News he couldn’t believe it happened, particularly in such a familiar place. He noted that the victim’s friend managed to return to shore but was distraught about not being able to help.
Ingrid Mitchell, another witness, remarked that she often swims at the beach and didn’t expect a shark attack to occur outside of dawn or dusk. She observed other swimmers nearby during the incident.
Jacqui Rapaic, who was walking with a friend at the beach, recalled seeing a pool of blood in the water and described the moment as traumatic.
This fatal incident follows a previous shark attack on Monday at Glenfield Beach, where a surfer suffered serious injuries but is now in a stable condition after being treated at Geraldton health campus.
