News & Alerts

Update 24th June 2021 at 9:31am 

The Shire of Carnamah has closed the access track into Gum Tree Bay and the beach closure in this area will remain in place until 2pm today subject to no further shark sightings.

DPIRD Fisheries Officers will continue to conduct land patrols in the area until 2pm today.

New information has been provided that the incident occurred 6 kilometres north of Beagle Islands (west of Gum Tree Bay).

The male person was spearfishing with a partner and not surfing as previously reported. He is believed to have been bitten by a 4.0 metre white shark. 

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Alert Issued on 23rd June 2021 at 4:35pm

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are currently involved in assisting with a shark bite incident at Gum Tree Bay north of Leeman in the Shire of Carnamah.

Situation:

• A male surfer, received injuries to the lower leg after being bitten by an unknown species of shark at 2:44pm on the 23rd of June 2021 at BEN sign CA 110
• Rangers from the Shire of Carnamah have closed the beach for 24 hours.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Gum Tree Bay area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA.
• Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
• If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed. 

What authorities are doing: 

DPIRD is working with local authorities to coordinate responses.

DPIRD Fisheries Officers will conduct patrols in the area this afternoon and tomorrow. 

Extra information: 

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.