Deadly shark attack prompts rare kill order in Western Australia

A rare directive for the targeted killing of a great white shark off Western Australia's coast has been issued following a fatal incident at Sorrento Beach, north of Perth. The victim, identified as 63-year-old Greg O Neil, is yet to be found, and beaches remain closed as authorities continue their search for the shark. This is the second shark attack in WA this week and the third fatal attack in the state this year. The attack has reignited discussions about beach safety measures.

Witness Jacqui Rapaic described the scene, recounting how she saw a pool of blood in the water and a 2.5m-long shark that had been "mauling" the victim. The response from authorities has been swift and decisive, with beaches in the Joondalup area, where Sorrento is located, being closed as a precautionary measure. This measure could last until at least midday on Sunday.

The decision to issue a catch-and-kill order is rare and controversial in Australia, where great white sharks are a protected species. Jackie Jarvis, the WA Fisheries Minister, described the step as extraordinary, being taken due to the shark's identification and the dangerous circumstances surrounding the attack. Fisheries officers were authorized to destroy the shark if it could be captured, given the exceptional circumstances.

The use of drones and tagging systems would be increased to further protect beachgoers. This incident follows another shark attack in WA this week, where a 56-year-old man lost part of his leg while surfing off the coast of Geraldton. Five fatal shark attacks have occurred in Australia this year, with the Sorrento incident being the second.