Man Killed in Australian Shark Attack Identified; Rare Catch-and-Kill Order Issued

Greg O’Neill, a 63-year-old man described by his family as a “generous, devoted” father, has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack off the coast of Sorrento Beach in Perth, Western Australia. The incident occurred on Friday while O’Neill was swimming with a friend.

Authorities have issued a rare catch-and-kill order for the great white shark believed to be responsible for the attack. This order directs authorized officers to destroy the shark if captured. Such orders are controversial in Australia, particularly because great white sharks are a protected species. This marks the first catch-and-kill order in Western Australia in approximately a decade.

Western Australia’s fisheries minister, Jackie Jarvis, authorized the order, citing “exceptional circumstances” and the “hazard posed by the shark.”

O’Neill’s family released a statement expressing their shock and devastation. “He was a generous, devoted family man that gave his children so much love, care and opportunity,” the statement read. “Greg loved the ocean and was known as a passionate swimmer, sports lover, dedicated worker and an all round generous, witty guy.”

Beaches in the Sorrento Beach area have been closed until at least Sunday. The shark involved in the attack is estimated to be about 8 feet long. Police boats and drones have been seen patrolling the waters.

This is the third fatal shark attack in Western Australia this year and the fifth overall in Australia in 2026. Earlier in the week, a 56-year-old surfer in Western Australia had part of his leg bitten off by a shark.