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A fatal shark attack occurred at Orient Beach in South Africa on Tuesday. A 65-year-old woman was bi...

Australian surfing champion Mick Fanning has detailed his harrowing encounter with a great white shark during the 2015 J-Bay Open competition in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, in an extract from his memoir 'All Heart'. The incident, which occurred during a live broadcast of the world tour event final, saw Fanning being attacked by a shark estimated to be at least three-and-a-half metres long. Fanning describes the terrifying moment when he was pulled off his board by the shark's tail, dragged underwater, and then punched the shark in a desperate attempt to defend himself. The attack was witnessed by fellow surfer Julian Wilson, who continued paddling towards Fanning despite his warnings. Fanning recounts the immediate aftermath, including his adrenaline-fueled laughter with Wilson, the shock of his teammates' reactions, and the realization that his mother was watching the live broadcast. The memoir extract reveals Fanning's emotional journey from the initial panic of the attack to the overwhelming relief of survival, including his decision to speak to the media to reassure his family. The incident, which was broadcast globally, has become one of the most famous shark attacks in surfing history. Fanning's account provides a raw, personal perspective on the event, highlighting both the physical danger he faced and the emotional toll of the experience. The memoir also touches on the broader context of shark encounters in surfing, with Fanning reflecting on his years of spearfishing and his understanding of the underwater hierarchy. The detailed description of the attack, including the shark's size and the specific moments of the encounter, offers readers a visceral understanding of the event. Fanning's memoir serves as both a personal reflection and a testament to the unpredictable dangers surfers face in the ocean.

A kayaker was attacked by a shark on Sunday morning off the coast of Malibu, California, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The incident was initially reported as a shark attack but was later clarified as a fishing accident. The kayaker, who was fishing near Paradise Cove, caught a shark and attempted to release it. During this process, the shark bit him, causing him to fall out of the kayak. The shark bit him a second time after he fell, and he was transported to a local hospital. The victim's condition remains unknown. Officials stated that the incident occurred when the man was fishing and hooked a shark, bringing it onto his vessel. Lifeguard Alex Buford explained that the shark bit the man, he released the shark, but the shark returned and knocked him off the boat, attacking him again and biting his leg. Nearby fishing boat passengers helped the man to safety. Buford believes the shark involved was a Shortfin Mako Shark, known for its speed of up to 72 km/h, though typically found in deeper waters. Authorities have not confirmed the shark species. The incident has prompted renewed interest in Lulu's Law, a new bill signed by President Donald Trump in June 2026, which aims to establish a shark attack alert system similar to the Amber Alert system. The legislation was advocated for by Lulu Gribbin, an Alabama teen who survived a shark attack in June 2024 that left her with significant injuries. The University of Florida's International Shark Attack File (ISAF) reports that the odds of a shark bite are extremely low, recommending ocean swimmers stay close to shore, avoid dawn and dusk swimming, and minimize splashing. Despite the incident, lifeguards have not closed the beach, as Mako sharks typically inhabit deeper waters. The Los Angeles County Fire Department has not provided further comment as of the time of this report.

The mother of a young girl who survived a shark attack at Coogee Beach has returned to the location for the first time in months, overcoming months of traumatic flashbacks. The incident, which occurred earlier this year, left the young victim with severe injuries and has been a source of ongoing distress for her family. The mother, who has been struggling with anxiety and fear since the attack, decided to face her fears and return to the beach with her daughter. This emotional moment was captured on camera as she walked along the shore, visibly emotional but determined. The family has been working with trauma specialists to help the young girl recover from the psychological impact of the attack. The Coogee Beach incident has raised concerns about shark safety measures in popular Australian swimming areas, with local authorities now reviewing their protocols. The mother's courage in returning to the beach has been widely praised by the community, with many expressing admiration for her strength in facing her fears. The young girl, who was attacked while swimming with her family, has been undergoing medical treatment and therapy to help her overcome the trauma. The family has requested privacy during their recovery process, but has chosen to share this moment to highlight the importance of mental health support for trauma survivors. The incident has also sparked discussions about the need for better education on shark safety for beachgoers in Australia. Local authorities have confirmed they are considering implementing new safety measures, including increased shark monitoring and clearer warning systems for swimmers. The mother's decision to return to the beach represents a significant step in her daughter's recovery journey, showing that with support and time, it is possible to overcome such traumatic experiences. The community has rallied around the family, offering support and sharing their own stories of overcoming fear and trauma. This moment has become a symbol of resilience and hope for many who have faced similar challenges.

Leah Stewart, a 35-year-old mother and Coogee beach shark attack survivor, has shared a heartbreaking update regarding her ongoing recovery process. The incident occurred on June 13 when Stewart was brutally mauled by a great white shark while swimming less than 30 metres from shore at the popular Sydney beach. The attack left her with severe and life-threatening injuries, requiring 11 surgeries including the amputation of her arm. She also spent 11 days in a coma, suffered multiple bite wounds on her arms and legs, significant blood loss, and fractures throughout her body. In an Instagram update posted on Tuesday, Stewart revealed that the skin graft on her wounded leg had failed, stating, 'Unfortunately this is not the post I was wanting to do but I had my graft checked yesterday and it was confirmed that it failed.' She expressed feeling 'devastated' and admitted to having 'quite a few tears' as she faces uncertainty about her next steps in recovery. Stewart shared that her leg has remained open for three and a half months, and while the failed graft is disappointing, she is grateful to be less reliant on the portable wound therapy machine she had been carrying daily. She mentioned that she is now taking a break from the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) machine, which allows her to move more freely. For the first time, she showed her legs to the camera, revealing the raw areas where doctors removed healthy skin from her right leg to transplant onto her left leg wound. The wider community has rallied around Stewart, commending her positive outlook despite her horrific experience. Comments on her Instagram post included messages such as 'You are amazing and so positive despite what you've been through. Keep smiling Leah,' and 'Hang in there gorgeous ❤️❤️. You have already shown yourself how amazingly strong you are so a set back but your resilience is a shining light.' Stewart's case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by shark attack survivors, with medical complications often extending recovery periods significantly beyond initial expectations. Her story has drawn widespread support from the public, with many acknowledging her strength and resilience in the face of such a traumatic event.

The Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club has paid tribute to Greg James O'Neill, a 63-year-old grandfather who was fatally attacked by a great white shark at Sorrento Beach in Perth, Western Australia. The incident occurred on Friday while O'Neill was swimming, and his body has not yet been recovered. Club president Rob Doherty expressed deep sadness over the attack, which happened close to shore, and extended condolences to O'Neill's family, friends, and the friend who was with him at the time. The club is working with Surf Life Saving WA and local authorities to support those affected and to determine next steps for beach safety measures. The Cook Government has defended its decision to issue a 'catch and kill order' for the shark responsible, estimated to be between 5m and 6m in length. Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis announced the order, with capture gear now withdrawn offshore after patrols concluded. Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti confirmed that daily shark surveillance patrols, originally scheduled to resume on September 26, will now begin on Monday. She defended the government's decision against criticism from the Greens, who argued there is no evidence the order would enhance public safety or target the correct shark. The Greens' spokesperson, Sophie McNeill, stated that catch-and-kill programs have previously resulted in non-target species being killed and could give a false sense of security. She advocated for increased investment in non-lethal measures such as drones, helicopters, shark tagging programs, and eco-shark enclosures. Beaches in the Sorrento area remain closed until 10am Monday, with DPIRD advising additional caution at Sorrento Beach and surrounding areas. The government has ruled out a shark cull despite three fatal attacks in Western Australia within four months. The Cook Government maintains that the catch-and-kill order is necessary in this exceptional circumstance, emphasizing the proximity of the attack to a metropolitan beach. The community continues to mourn O'Neill, with flowers laid at Sorrento Beach in tribute.

A 63-year-old man was fatally attacked by a great white shark while swimming in shallow waters at Sorrento Beach near Perth, Western Australia, on Friday morning. The incident occurred around 10:15am when the man, who was swimming with a friend approximately 15 meters offshore, was attacked in water less than a meter deep. Witnesses reported a significant amount of blood in the water, with one bystander describing the shark attacking the victim a second time after the initial bite. The victim's friend managed to reach the shore unharmed, while the man's body has not been recovered. Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed that a rare catch-and-kill order has been issued for the shark responsible, marking the first such order in approximately 10 years. The minister emphasized that the decision was appropriate given the circumstances of the fatal attack, despite the unusual nature of the measure. Authorities plan to deploy drumlines to capture the shark once weather conditions improve, though current conditions have prevented immediate action. The beach remains closed, with patrols resuming after a weekend pause and daily patrols scheduled to begin on September 26. This incident has reignited concerns about shark safety at Sorrento, where a shark enclosure was removed in 2020 due to operational challenges. The area has seen increased patrols following the attack, with authorities monitoring the situation closely. The victim, who had ridden his bike to the beach with a friend for boogie boarding, was declared deceased at the scene. Local residents and witnesses described the traumatic scene, with one tradesman noting a 'pool of blood' in the water and helicopters arriving shortly after the attack. The Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club later removed the victim's bike from the beach. The attack has prompted renewed discussions about shark safety measures, particularly as the region has not had a shark enclosure since 2020. The catch-and-kill order, while rare, reflects the severity of the incident and the need to protect public safety in the area. Fisheries officers are proceeding with caution, prioritizing their safety and the safety of the public during the operation.

A man has died after a suspected shark attack while swimming off Sorrento Beach in Perth, Western Au...

The family of a 63-year-old man who was fatally attacked by a shark at Sorrento Beach near Perth has paid tribute to him by laying flowers by a beach closure sign. The incident occurred on Friday morning when the man, swimming with a friend approximately 15 meters offshore near Raleigh Road, south of Hillarys Boat Harbour, was attacked in shallow waters. The family, consisting of two adults and a child, gathered at the beach on Saturday morning to lay flowers and pay their respects, standing together for a period before quietly departing via a side path to avoid media attention. Lifeguards on buggies attempted to shield the grieving group from growing crowds as wind whipped the shoreline. Authorities, including three St John WA ambulances, WA Police, Water Police, and the Surf Life Saving WA Westpac Lifesaver helicopter, responded under priority-one conditions. The man was later declared deceased, and his body has not been found. WA Police conducted a shoreline search on Saturday morning, with patrols continuing throughout the day. A small crowd, including local surfer Craig Young, who was in the water during the attack, also gathered to lay flowers. Young described the incident as 'freaky' and stated it had shaken the tight-knit surfing community. He mentioned seeing a fisheries boat pass by, which alerted him to the severity of the situation. The shark is believed to be a large great white, potentially up to 5 meters in length. Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis has ordered the destruction of the shark believed to be responsible. The beach remains closed until Sunday, with authorities patrolling the area. The attack has prompted community concern, with Young expressing that the incident has made the proximity of the attack to regular surfers and families more apparent. The family's quiet tribute highlights the personal impact of the tragedy on those directly affected, while the community's response reflects broader concerns about safety in coastal areas.

A 63-year-old man was attacked and killed by a shark while swimming off Sorrento Beach in Perth, Western Australia, on Friday morning. The incident occurred approximately 50 metres from the shore near a groyne bordering the Sorrento Surf Club. Witnesses reported seeing the man pulled underwater repeatedly before disappearing, with blood in the water noted by some. Lifesavers attempted a rescue but were unsuccessful in locating the victim. Emergency services were alerted around 10:15am, with three St John WA ambulances dispatched before being stood down. A witness, who is a nurse, described the scene as "confronting" and stated she would no longer swim in the area. Police, along with a helicopter and a Fisheries vessel, conducted a search for the missing swimmer, which continued into Saturday. The City of Joondalup closed beaches from Burns Beach to Marmion as a precaution, with the City of Wanneroo following suit. Authorities have not confirmed the shark's size or species, though it was reported to be up to six metres long. Forensic police and detectives taped off a section of the car park near the attack site. The incident has drawn comparisons to a 2000 attack in Cottesloe where Ken Crew lost his leg and later died. The area had previously been protected by a shark net, which failed and was removed in 2020. Opposition fisheries spokeswoman Kirrilee Warr expressed condolences to the victim's family and criticized the state government's shark mitigation strategy. The attack follows a recent shark incident in Geraldton, where surfer Mel Ismail was attacked. The beach remains closed pending further investigation.