A diver has sustained critical injuries after being attacked by a shark off the coast of Western Australia.
According to the BBC emergency officials said the incident occurred on Saturday morning near Michaelmas Island, located southeast of Perth. The victim, believed to be in his thirties, was reportedly attacked by a shark measuring about 4.5 metres in length.
Authorities said emergency services received reports of the attack at about 11:25 a.m. local time and immediately responded to the scene.
In a statement, Western Australian authorities described the incident as a “serious shark attack,” confirming that the diver suffered severe injuries and was receiving urgent medical attention.
The latest attack comes barely two weeks after another fatal shark incident in Queensland, where a man lost his life. That attack marked Australia’s third deadly shark encounter this year.
Marine experts have expressed concern over the increasing number of shark attacks across Australian waters. Scientists believe environmental changes may be influencing shark behaviour and movement patterns.
“Rising ocean temperatures and increased human activity in coastal waters are believed to be affecting the migration routes of sharks,” researchers said.
The development has renewed calls for heightened awareness and safety precautions among swimmers, surfers and divers frequenting Australia’s coastlines.
Authorities have not released the identity of the injured diver, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack continue.
