A serious shark incident off the coast of Albany has left a diver in critical condition after he was bitten by a suspected 4.5-metre shark near Michaelmas Island on Saturday, prompting an emergency rescue operation and renewed warnings for people entering the water along Western Australia’s southern coastline.
The attack occurred at approximately 11:25am local time near Michaelmas Island, a small island located within King George Sound. The island sits around 13 kilometres from Albany and approximately 420 kilometres south-east of Perth, making it a popular destination for divers, anglers and recreational boaters.
Authorities said the victim, a man believed to be in his 30s, was diving in the area when the attack occurred. Emergency services were quickly notified of a possible shark attack, triggering a coordinated response involving WA Police, marine authorities and paramedics.
The injured diver was brought back to shore by boat before being met by St John Ambulance paramedics. Medical crews treated him at the scene and transported him to hospital with injuries described as critical.
While officials have not released details regarding the extent of his injuries, the incident is being treated as a serious shark attack investigation.
Large Shark Reported Near Attack Site
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) confirmed it is assisting WA Police and local authorities following the incident.
According to DPIRD, a member of the public reported seeing a shark of unknown species measuring approximately 4.5 metres near Michaelmas Island at around the same time emergency services were responding to the attack.
The shark was reportedly sighted about 10 metres from shore, although authorities have not yet confirmed whether the animal was directly involved in the incident. Investigators are continuing to gather information as part of the ongoing inquiry.
DPIRD said the incident was officially reported to the department at approximately 11:30am on Saturday, just minutes after the attack occurred.
At this stage, the species of shark involved remains unknown. Marine experts often caution that accurate species identification can take time, particularly when reports rely on witness observations made during fast-moving emergency situations.
Authorities Urge Extra Caution
Following the attack, authorities urged residents and visitors to exercise additional caution around Michaelmas Island and nearby waters.
DPIRD advised members of the public to follow any beach closures, safety notices or warnings issued by local government rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers and Surf Life Saving WA.
Officials are also asking anyone who observes shark activity in the area to report sightings through the state’s SharkSmart monitoring system or directly to Water Police.
The incident has once again placed a spotlight on shark safety in Western Australia, home to some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. While serious shark attacks remain uncommon compared with the millions of ocean visits recorded each year, authorities routinely increase monitoring efforts following incidents involving injuries.
Interest in shark safety has remained high across the state following a fatal shark attack at Rottnest Island earlier this year, which sparked widespread discussion about marine safety and risk awareness for divers and swimmers.
Michaelmas Island and the surrounding waters of King George Sound are known for attracting a wide range of marine life, making the region popular among wildlife enthusiasts and diving operators. However, experts consistently advise ocean users to remain alert to changing conditions and follow official safety guidance when entering the water.
Read More
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on the diver’s recovery and determining the circumstances surrounding one of Western Australia’s most serious shark-related incidents of the year.
For official shark alerts, sighting reports and safety advice, visit the SharkSmart website.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
