WA: White shark caught after bite incident near Falcon

Flag_WA2News Release

SharkSmart, Department of Fisheries, Western Australia

01. June 2016

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Serious Shark Threat at Surfbreak Lookout, near Falcon, south of Mandurah

Department of Fisheries will set shark capture gear at SurfBreak Lookout, near Falcon, this morning after a shark incident on Tuesday afternoon resulted in a determination that a serious threat to public safety exists.

Situation:

  • A man received injuries, and is being treated at Royal Perth Hospital after a serious shark bite incident which occurred before 4pm on Tuesday.
  • An order has been issued by the Director General of the Department of Fisheries to deploy capture gear in the vicinity of the incident, to fish for the shark from first light today.
  • Given the nature of the injuries and the location of the incident, it is likely that a white shark, of 3-metres or more in size, is responsible.
  • The City of Mandurah has closed the beach.

What to do:

  • The beach near Surfbreak Lookout was closed immediately, and will remain closed until sunset Wednesday, when a further assessment will be made.
  • Water users are advised to avoid the Surfbreak Lookout location, and take additional caution in the surrounding Falcon area.
  • Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
  • If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to response agencies and to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.

What authorities are doing:
Department of Fisheries is working together with relevant authorities to ensure people’s safety.

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UPDATE :
Fisheries officers continue to patrol water near shark incident

Department of Fisheries officers will continue to patrol the water in the vicinity of Surf Break Lookout, Falcon, near Mandurah, on Thursday following a serious shark incident in the area on Tuesday.

Officers captured a white shark, estimated to be 4.2 metres in length, on Wednesday afternoon, close to the area where a man was seriously injured while surfing on Tuesday.

Beaches in the area remain closed until further notice and swimmers are advised to stay out of the water.

Department Officers are also conducting beach patrols and the Department continues to monitor the situation.

The Department says the captured white shark has expired on the line, and the carcass was disposed of at sea, after measurements and samples were taken.

Extra information:
If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

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Source: Sharksmart, WA.

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