Man dies in shark attack while spearfishing with family

A man died after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing with his family.

The 35-year-old man was bitten by a suspected 4.5-metre shark off Michaelmas Island, near Albany in the south-west of Western Australia, at around 11.20am on Saturday.

“He was taken back to shore by boat where he was met by paramedics,” WA Police said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, he could not be resuscitated.”

The death comes after father-of-two Steven “Mattas” Mattaboni was killed while diving at Horseshoe Reef off Rottnest Island, near Perth, in May.

The 38-year-old man was pulled from the water after being bitten and taken by boat to a jetty in Geordie Bay on the north side of the island.

Paramedics were unable to resuscitate him.

According to Surf Life Saving WA, a five-metre white shark was spotted 80 meters offshore during this attack.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Michaelmas Island is about 15 kilometers from the seaside town of Albany, which is about five hours’ drive from Perth.