Perth beaches closed after 63-year-old swimmer killed in great white shark attack

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Perth Beaches Closed After Shark Attack

   A 63-year-old swimmer was killed by a great white shark at Perth's Sorrento Beach in Australia, prompting beach closures and a rare kill order. The victim was identified as Greg O'Neill, a father and grandfather-to-be, who was attacked near the shore in front of horrified beachgoers and a friend. Witnesses described the incident as leaving only a pool of blood and resembling a scene from Jaws. Authorities issued the kill order due to fears that the 20-foot great white shark still poses a threat to the public.

   Why it matters

   This incident marks the third fatal shark attack in Western Australia for the year. Fatal attacks by great white sharks in popular swimming areas frequently trigger emergency beach closures and swift administrative responses aimed at removing perceived ongoing threats. Fisheries and safety officials deploy capture gear and monitor local waters following such violent encounters to mitigate further risk to swimmers and surfers.

   What is confirmed

   • A 63-year-old swimmer named Greg O'Neill was killed in a shark attack at Perth's Sorrento Beach in Western Australia.
   • Authorities issued a rare kill order for the great white shark following the fatal incident.
   • Perth beaches were closed in response to the attack.
   • The death marked the third fatal shark attack in Western Australia this year.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The shark involved in the attack measured 20 feet in length.

   What to watch next

   • Updates from fisheries authorities regarding the status of the rare kill order and capture gear deployment
   • Official announcements on the reopening timeline for Perth beaches
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. CBS News — Swimmer killed in shark attack in front of horrified beachgoers in Australia: "I could see a pool of blood"
   2. The Daily Beast — Only a ‘Pool of Blood’ Left After Deadly Shark Attack
   3. SURFER Magazine — 20-Foot Great White Shark Kills Swimmer in Western Australia ‘Like a Scene Off Jaws’ (Video)
   4. BBC — Perth shark attack: Beaches shut as deadly attack prompts rare kill order
   5. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Greg O'Neill identified as fatal shark attack victim at Perth's Sorrento Beach
   6. New York Post — Dad mauled to death by shark in front of horrified friend as rare kill order issued for monster great white
   7. The Independent — Perth beaches closed after 63-year-old swimmer killed in great white shark attack
   8. Fox News — 'Devoted' father and grandfather-to-be swimming at popular beach killed in suspected shark attack
   9. Fox News — 'Devoted' father and grandfather-to-be swimming at popular beach killed in suspected fatal shark attack
   10. Fox News — Australian surfer risked his life to save fellow surfer who had been attacked by a shark
   11. Nine.com.au — ‘Devoted family man’ named as victim of fatal shark attack at Perth beach
   12. www.yahoo.com — Great white shark kills swimmer near shore and Australia issues rare “kill order” over fears it still poses a threat
   confidence 95%