Deadly shark attack prompts rare kill order in Western Australia

A rare decision to order a great white shark to be killed off the coast of Western Australia has been made following the fatal attack on a swimmer. The victim, identified as 63-year-old Greg O'Neill, was killed while swimming at Sorrento Beach in Perth on Friday. His body has yet to be recovered. Beaches across the state, including Perth, have been closed as authorities continue the search for the shark.

This marks the second attack in Western Australia this week and the third fatal incident in the state this year. The attack has reignited discussions on how to ensure beachgoers' safety in Australia. Greg O'Neill's family described him as a passionate swimmer, sports enthusiast, and generous individual. A witness reported seeing a shark "mauling" the victim.

Two men were swimming at the time, but only one made it back to shore. The shark was reportedly 2.5 meters long. Police and helicopters are patrolling the area, and beaches are closed as a precaution. Catch-and-kill orders are uncommon and contentious in Australia, where great white sharks are a protected species. This is the first such order in Western Australia in 10 years, according to Jackie Jarvis, the state's Fisheries Minister.

The minister authorized fisheries officers to kill the shark due to the "exceptional circumstances" and the "hazard posed by the shark." Increased use of drones and tagging is planned to protect beachgoers. There have been five shark attacks in Australia this year, including a fatal incident in Sydney Harbour where a 12-year-old boy lost his life.