A rare “catch and kill” order has been issued for a shark suspected of killing a swimmer off the coast of Perth on Friday.
Greg O’Neill, 63, is missing and presumed dead after being attacked at Sorrento Beach, in the city’s north, during his regular morning swim.
Jackie Jarvis, Western Australia’s Fisheries Minister, made the “exceptional” decision to order authorities to kill the shark, which is believed to be a great white. It is the first time in a decade that such an order has been made in the state.
“In making that decision, I considered the exceptional circumstances of the attack, the hazard posed by the shark, and the potential recovery of coronial evidence,” Jarvis said.
O’Neill was swimming “very close to shore” when he was seen being pulled underwater by a large shark. Lifesavers raced to rescue the swimmer but were unable to find him.
A witness said there was blood in the water, while another swimmer who had accompanied the victim had to be consoled by rescuers once he got to shore.
O’Neill, who was due to welcome his first grandchild, was a “generous, witty, guy”, his family said in a statement on Saturday.
“Our family is deeply shocked and devastated by the terrible tragedy that took the life of father, grandfather-to-be, brother, uncle, husband and friend, Greg James O’Neill,” the statement said.
“He was a generous, devoted family man [who] gave his children so much love, care and opportunity.
“Greg loved the ocean and was known as a passionate swimmer, sports lover, dedicated worker and an all-round generous, witty guy.
“The kind thoughts and support from everyone who has reached out are deeply appreciated.”
Beachgoers first raised the alarm about a suspected shark attack after seeing O’Neill in trouble as he swam.
Beaches in Perth’s Joondalup area would remain closed until at least noon local time on Sunday, the state government said.
“Officers from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will continue to conduct land-based patrols,” it said in an alert.
Friday’s incident is the latest in a series of shark attacks in Australia and comes after a surfer was bitten in an attack in Western Australia on Monday.
In that attack in the town of Geraldton 400km north of Perth, the surfer lost his foot and suffered serious leg injuries, according to reports.
In June a 35-year-old man was killed while spearfishing off the state’s south coast, while a 38-year-old man was mauled to death off an island near Perth in May.
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