Diver torn to death by 13ft great white shark in horror attack

A diver has been tragically killed after being mauled by a 13ft great white shark in a freak attack.

The 38-year-old had been spearfishing with a friend at a popular Australian spot, according to police, known as Horseshoe Reef, near Perth, Western Australia.

Sadly, while the unnamed mad was rushed from the water after being bitten, he has since passed away from his injuries just this morning (16 May, local time).

9 News Perth reported that the 38-year-old fisher had been bitten on both lower legs in front of his friends, who had taken a boat to the location to spearfish together.

"His friends have actually witnessed the horrific event," Sergeant Michael Wear said to the channel.

Its broadcast noted that authorities have since urged others to be ‘alert’ if swimming in the area.

The man sadly passed away (9 News)

"The victim was on the surface at the time, about 20 metres [65ft] away from the vessel," Wear said, adding: "Certainly quite horrific scenes for all involved and all emergency services that were there did a fantastic job.”

Surf Life Saving WA posted on social media that a 13ft white shark had been seen around 262 feet offshore in the morning before the man was bitten.

A police spokesperson said: "Sadly the man was unable to be revived."

They added: "About 9.55am on Saturday 16 May 2026, emergency services were advised of a possible shark attack off the coast of Rottnest Island.

"A 38-year-old man was in the water at Horseshoe Reef when he was believed to have been bitten by a shark. The man was conveyed by vessel to shore, where he was met by SJA WA paramedics."

According to People, the coroner is preparing a report on the man’s death while the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said in a statement to ABC that it will patrol the waters in light of the attack.

Aerial footage showed the man receiving CPR from paramedics prior to his death, which has now made him the first fatal attack in Western Australia since March last year.’

Since records began in 1791, there have been around 1,300 recorded shark attacks in Australia, 260 of those cases resulting in death.

Just this year in January, there were four shark attacks reported along the New South Wales coast in just two days, per the BBC.

One of the victims was 12-year-old Nico Antic who jumped into the Sydney Harbour and was attacked by what was thought to have been a bull shark.

Sadly, he died a week later from his injuries.