Another fatal Shark attack in Western Australia: Man dies after being bitten by shark while spearfishing with family off coast; what we know so far

A fatal shark attack has been reported off the coast of Albany in Western Australia’s south, where a 35-year-old man died after being bitten by a suspected 4.5-metre shark. The incident marks the latest shark-related tragedy to occur in the state’s coastal waters. The attack took place before 11.20am on Saturday, June 6, 2026 (1.20pm AEST), while the man was spearfishing with family members off Michaelmas Island, according to a 9News report citing police.

He was brought back to shore by boat, where St John Ambulance WA paramedics were waiting to provide assistance. As of the filing of this report, the deceased had not been formally identified.

Police are expected to prepare a report for the coroner, while the incident has also been reported to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Following the attack, authorities urged residents to exercise extra caution in the Michaelmas Island area and comply with local beach closures.


Reacting to the incident, WA Premier Roger Cook said that he felt “deeply saddened” by the death. “This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, as well as the first responders,” Cook said in a statement, as quoted by 9News. “I know members of the local community will wrap their arms around them, and I urge those who are impacted to reach out for support.”

Australia has recorded multiple shark attacks in 2026, with the latest incident occurring just weeks after another fatal attack off the coast of Western Australia. In that earlier case, 38-year-old Steven Mattaboni was killed while spearfishing near Horseshoe Reef, about one kilometre off the coast of the island near Perth. He was in the water with friends when he suffered bites to both legs from what authorities believed to be a great white shark.