Greg O'Neill, 63, Identified as Shark Attack Victim at Sorrento Beach; 'Catch and Kill' Order Issued

Greg O'Neill, a 63-year-old father and grandfather-to-be, has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack at Sorrento Beach in Perth. The incident occurred on Friday morning when O'Neill, described by his family as a "generous, devoted family man" and a "passionate swimmer," was attacked by what is believed to be a great white shark close to the shoreline.

"Our family is deeply shocked and devastated by the terrible tragedy that took the life of father, grandfather-to-be, brother, uncle, husband and friend, Greg James O'Neill," his family said in a statement. They further described him as a "passionate swimmer, sports lover, dedicated worker and an all round generous, witty guy" who "loved the ocean."

Dozens of beachgoers witnessed the attack, with one local man, Ryan Rowe, describing a "large pool of blood" in the water. "Basically the shark grabbed him again, pulled him pulled him back down, and then it went out a bit further," Rowe told The West Australian. "It popped back up again, and then went back down, and they haven't seen the body since."

Following the fatal attack, Western Australia Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed that a "catch and kill" order had been issued for the shark, believed to be a great white measuring over 3 meters long. This is the first time in a decade such an order has been made.

"So, white sharks are protected internationally. I have the power through a ministerial exemption to order catch and kill orders in those circumstances," Jarvis stated. She added that the decision was made because the shark had been positively identified, remained in the vicinity, and was considered an ongoing threat. The capture of the shark is also linked to the potential recovery of coronial evidence.

Jarvis emphasized that this measure does not signify a return to culling apex predators and that it is impossible to mitigate all risks associated with the ocean. Beaches in the City of Joondalup were closed on Saturday morning, with land-based patrols conducted in the area.

An eco shark barrier, co-funded by the state government and city council, was previously installed at Sorrento Beach in 2016 but was removed in 2020 due to maintenance costs. Richard Lailey, a local resident, shared his own encounter with a great white shark approximately a year ago near the same area. He noted that September and October are typically times of increased shark activity due to whale migration.