Story perspectives

WA Minister Orders Capture and Kill of Sorrento Shark

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 6:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Jarvis Orders Shark Kill

Western Australia Minister Jackie Jarvis ordered the great white shark that killed Greg O'Neill to be captured and killed.
Police positively identified a 2.5 m great white shark at the Sorrento Beach scene.
All City of Joondalup beaches remained closed until at least Sunday midday.
The order marked Western Australia's first shark catch-and-kill in ten years, not a cull.
The minister announced expanded drone surveillance and tagging to improve beach-goer safety.

Summary

Surf Lifesaving WA Patrols

A shark attack killed a person, marking Western Australia’s 24th shark-related death since 2000.
The Sorrento Beach shark barrier was removed in 2020, unlike seasonal barriers at other Perth beaches.
Surf Lifesaving WA began weekend helicopter patrols last week, with daily flights starting 26 September through April.
Witness Jacqui Rapaic said she saw a pool of blood and called the scene traumatic.

History

Historical Context

In 2001 Western Australia launched the Cottesloe shark-net program, spending A$2.5 million and lowering local attacks by about 30 % over the next decade. A 2014 policy added 72 drumlines, and an August 2018 SMART-drumline trial later captured two great whites and 266 other sharks. Today’s shark-kill order builds on these removal-and-surveillance measures.

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Jarvis Orders Shark Kill

Western Australia Minister Jackie Jarvis ordered the great white shark that killed Greg O'Neill to be captured and killed.
Police positively identified a 2.5 m great white shark at the Sorrento Beach scene.
All City of Joondalup beaches remained closed until at least Sunday midday.
The order marked Western Australia's first shark catch-and-kill in ten years, not a cull.
The minister announced expanded drone surveillance and tagging to improve beach-goer safety.

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