An Australian man died after being attacked by a shark while swimming off the nation’s western coast Saturday morning — the second deadly mauling in Australia this year, police said.
The unidentified 38-year-old swimmer was savaged by the marine predator at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island, a popular tourist spot about 19 miles west of Perth, and was pronounced dead after being pulled to shore, local authorities said in a statement.
Grim footage from local outlets showed a large police presence and a helicopter with a stretcher at the scene.
Rescue workers bringing an swimmer back to the shore after he was attacked by a shark near Rottnest Island off the coast of Perth, Australia. 7NEWS
The unidentified 38-year-old was pronounced dead after being brought to the shore. 7NEWSState police have since warned beach visitors to exercise caution in the waters around the island.
The fatal incident comes months after a young boy was bitten by a shark and died in Sydney Harbour in January, amid a vicious string of shark attacks along the east coast.
Roughly 20 shark encounters occur in Australia each year, with most unfolding along the country’s east and southwest seaboard, according to Australia’s Institute of Health and Welfare.
A helicopter brought in for the rescue effort. 7NEWS
A man reacting to the gruesome scene after the shark attack. 7NEWSWith Post wires.
