An experienced spearfisherman died Saturday after being attacked by a shark near Rottnest Island off the coast of Western Australia [1].

The incident underscores the inherent risks of spearfishing in waters known for large predators, highlighting a rare but fatal encounter in a popular diving area.

The victim, a 38-year-old man [2], was spearfishing at Horseshoe Reef when the attack occurred around 10 a.m. on May 16, 2026 [3, 4]. Reports indicate he was bitten by a great white shark measuring approximately four meters, or 13 feet, in length [5, 6].

Emergency responders were called to the scene at Horseshoe Reef [7]. Despite the severity of the attack, local authorities said that beaches on Rottnest Island remained open to the public following the event [8].

Local records suggest this is only the second shark attack ever recorded near Rottnest Island [9]. The victim was described as an experienced diver, though his identity has not been released to the public [1].

Spearfishing often increases the likelihood of shark encounters because the activity can attract predators through noise, and the scent of blood or fish. While great white sharks are found throughout the region, the rarity of attacks near this specific island makes the event a significant anomaly for the local community [9].

“The victim, a 38-year-old man, was spearfishing at Horseshoe Reef when the attack occurred.”

The rarity of this incident—being only the second recorded attack in the area—suggests that while the risk remains present, it is not a systemic trend for Rottnest Island. However, the fact that the victim was an experienced spearfisherman indicates that expertise does not fully mitigate the danger of interacting with apex predators like the great white shark in their natural habitat.