Rare shark catch-and-kill order issued after swimmer fatally attacked in Western Australia

A shark that fatally attacked a man off a beach in Perth ’s north will be “destroyed” if it is captured, after an order was issued by the Western Australian (WA) government.

Emergency services were called to the popular Sorrento beach at about 10.30am on Friday after reports of a shark-related incident.

Western Australia police said a man (63) had been bitten by a shark while swimming along the coast. He died as a result of his injuries, police said.

Emergency services, including water and air personnel, conducted an extensive search of the area. The swimmer’s body has not been found.

Water police requested the shark be captured to assist with the recovery of potential coronial evidence. Police and fisheries officials remain in the area and nearby beaches are still closed.