Story perspectives

Shark Attack Kills Swimmer as WA Closes Beaches

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 11:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Western Australia police report a male swimmer died after a shark attack at Sorrento Beach, Perth.
The attack happened just after 10:15 am on 18 September 2026, roughly 50 metres from shore.
It was Western Australia’s 24th fatal shark attack since 2000 and the second this week.
Authorities closed Sorrento Beach and all beaches from Burns Beach to Iluka until at least midday Saturday.

History

Historical Context

After a surge of fatal bites in 2000, the Western Australian Government launched a Shark Attack Management Plan in 2001, administered by the Department of Conservation and Land Management. The plan follows earlier Australian control efforts, such as Queensland’s program that began in the early 1960s. Authorities now close beaches from Burns Beach to Iluka after the 24th state fatality.

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Story summary

Western Australia police report a male swimmer died after a shark attack at Sorrento Beach, Perth.
The attack happened just after 10:15 am on 18 September 2026, roughly 50 metres from shore.
It was Western Australia’s 24th fatal shark attack since 2000 and the second this week.
Authorities closed Sorrento Beach and all beaches from Burns Beach to Iluka until at least midday Saturday.

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