Man dies after second fatal shark attack in Australia

A man has died after being bitten by a shark in a tourist hotspot in western Australia - the second fatal shark attack in the country this year.

The 38-year-old, who has not yet been named, was attacked on Saturday morning at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island, about 31 ​km (19.2 miles) west of state capital Perth, police said in a statement.

He was taken to shore after the attack, but could not be revived, police said.

According to Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA), a four-metre shark was spotted 80m offshore at Horseshoe Reef at around 10am local time.

State ‌authorities advised people to take extra caution in the water at Rottnest Island, a ‌popular tourist destination.

The government of western Australia said on its website that the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) was assisting the police with "a serious shark bite" incident at Horse Shoe Reefs.

It called on the public to take "additional caution" in the Horse Shoe Reefs and Marjorie Bay areas and to adhere to beach closures advised by local government rangers, parks and wildlife service officers or Surf Life Saving WA.

It is Australia's second fatal shark attack this year after a boy was killed in January while in Sydney Harbour.

Nico Antic, 12, was bitten after he and friends jumped off rocks in Vaucluse, around five miles from the city's business district.

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Nico was pulled from the water by friends and taken to hospital with severe injuries to both legs. He died in hospital.

His death followed a series of attacks on Australia's east coast.

On average, Australia records 20 shark attacks a year, with fewer than three of those fatal, according to data from conservation groups.

(c) Sky News 2026: Man dies after second fatal shark attack in Australia