7 Nov 2021

No sign of Western Australia shark attack victim as search continues

3:41 pm on 7 November 2021

There is still no sign of a man believed to have been taken by a shark at Port Beach in Western Australia on Saturday morning.

The man was reportedly attached at Port Beach, to the left of Bathers Beach (shown).

The man was reportedly attached at Port Beach, to the left of Bathers Beach (pictured). Photo: 123rf

Authorities have confirmed they are still searching for the 57-year-old father, who witnesses said was attacked by up to two sharks while swimming at the Fremantle beach.

Police believe the man was a regular at Port Beach.

The attack was witnessed by a group of young people on a boat nearby who alerted emergency services straight away.

They were also praised for urging others to get out of the water.

"The boys were in a dinghy nearby. They witnessed the attack and … provided police with information on what they saw and heard," acting inspector Troy Douglas said.

"I think it's a fantastic effort - it was probably something you don't want to see.

"They have been really, really helpful. They have done a great job of alerting other people on the beach and other swimmers."

Boats from a number of emergency services including Water Police and Marine Rescue have been searching.

Surf lifesavers on jet skis are scouring the area, and police are searching the shoreline.

Beaches in the area remain closed and lifesavers are conducting patrols to make sure people keep out of the water.

Members of a local swimming group The Polar Bears gathered near the beach this morning for their regular swim, only to find it closed.

One of the members walked down to the beach despite the closure signs, and told the ABC he was threatened by authorities with a fine.

City of Fremantle rangers confirmed anyone found not complying with the direction to keep away from the closed beaches faces a $1000 fine.

-ABC

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