Fatal shark attack on diver near Albany, WA, and related incidents
Consensus Summary
A 35-year-old man died after being bitten by a suspected 4.5-metre shark while spearfishing with family near Michaelmas Island, off Albany, Western Australia, on June 6, 2026. Emergency services responded to the attack at around 11:25 AM local time, transporting the victim by boat to shore where paramedics were unable to revive him. This incident marks the second fatal shark attack in WA within four weeks, following a similar attack on May 16 that killed a 38-year-old man off Rottnest Island. Authorities, including WA Police and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, are investigating the incident and coordinating a response. Local reactions vary, with some expressing surprise at the rarity of such attacks while others downplay the likelihood of it deterring people from water activities.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- A 35-year-old male diver died after being bitten by a suspected 4.5-metre shark off Michaelmas Island, near Albany, WA, on June 6, 2026, at approximately 11:25 AM local time.
- The victim was spearfishing with family when the attack occurred.
- Emergency services responded to reports of a shark attack, and the victim was taken by boat to shore where he was met by St John Ambulance WA paramedics, who were unable to revive him.
- WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner regarding the incident.
- The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is assisting WA Police and local authorities with the incident.
- Michaelmas Island is about 13 kilometres from the nearest stretch of Albany coastline and approximately a five-hour drive from Perth.
- This is the second fatal shark attack in WA in the past four weeks, following the death of 38-year-old Steven Mattaboni on May 16, 2026, off Rottnest Island.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The victim was transported by boat to Albany Waterfront Marina, where he was met by paramedics.
- Albany local Grant Cavanagh stated the attack is surprising but does not believe it will scare people out of the water, comparing it to car accidents.
- WA Premier Roger Cook expressed sadness over the tragedy and offered condolences to the victim's family and first responders.
- A ramp closure sign is up at the scene of Saturday's incident.
- The victim was treated by paramedics at the scene for more than two hours before being pronounced dead.
- The Department of Primary Industries warned people to take additional caution in the Michaelmas Island area and adhere to beach closures.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Article 1 (ABC) states the attack occurred at 11:25 AM, while Article 3 (Guardian) says it happened just before 11:30 AM AWST.
- Article 2 (ABC) mentions the victim was bitten by a 4.5-metre shark, but Article 3 (Guardian) refers to a 'suspected 4.5-metre shark' without confirming the exact size.
Source Articles
Breaking: Diver dies after bite by suspected 4.5m shark off Albany, WA
A male diver has died after an attack by a suspected 4.5-metre shark near Michaelmas Island, off WA's Albany coast, on Saturday morning.
Diver dies after being bitten by 4.5m shark off Albany, WA
A male diver has died after an attack by a suspected 4.5-metre shark near Michaelmas Island, off WA's Albany coast, on Saturday morning.
Man dies after being bitten by shark off Western Australian coast
Government department says man was in the water around Michaelmas Island, near Albany, when he was bitten by a suspected 4.5-metre shark Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A male diver aged in his 30s has died after being bitten by a shark in Western Australia. The state’s police force confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the 35-year-old man had died, after being treated by paramedics at the scene for more than two hours. Continue reading...