Story perspectives

Great White Shark Kills Spearfisher, Patrols WA Reef

5/18/2026

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Great White Attacks

Scientists warn that warming oceans and crowded coasts are driving great white sharks nearer to popular sites like Horseshoe Reef.
A 38-year-old spearfisher was killed by a 13-foot great white shark near Horseshoe Reef, Western Australia, on 16 May 2026.
WA Police urged extra caution in Horseshoe Reef and Marjorie Bay after the attack.
A patrol vessel will remain on the water to monitor Horseshoe Reef, officials said.

Right

Authorities Keep Beaches

Rottnest Island beaches remained open following a fatal shark attack, demonstrating authorities' commitment to maintaining public access.
Steven Mattaboni, 38, was killed by a great white shark while spearfishing near Horseshoe Reef off Rottnest Island, Australia.
Despite the attack, officials stated the overall risk to swimmers remains low, keeping the island’s beaches open.
Surf Life Saving Western Australia reported a five-metre white shark offshore the next morning and continued patrols around the island.

History

Historical Context

South Africa has protected great-white sharks since 1991, with the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board deploying exclusion nets around beaches. Australia extended federal protection in 1999 and launched a White Shark Recovery Plan in 2002, while Western Australia halted its 2013 cull the following year. The 2026 fatal spearfisher attack at Horseshoe Reef revives calls for similar early-warning patrols.

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Great White Attacks

Scientists warn that warming oceans and crowded coasts are driving great white sharks nearer to popular sites like Horseshoe Reef.
A 38-year-old spearfisher was killed by a 13-foot great white shark near Horseshoe Reef, Western Australia, on 16 May 2026.
WA Police urged extra caution in Horseshoe Reef and Marjorie Bay after the attack.
A patrol vessel will remain on the water to monitor Horseshoe Reef, officials said.

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