‘Incredible’: Teenager’s brave act after Daniel Turpin, 35, killed in shark attack in Albany, WA
Tragic details have emerged of the moment a family stepped up to save a man killed in a shark attack in Western Australia’s Great South.
Daniel Turpin, 35, was attacked by a 4.5-metre shark while spearfishing with his family on Michaelmas Island near Albany, about 420 kilometers southeast of Perth, at around 11.20am on Saturday.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, Mr Turpin could not be saved.
His death shook the community; In memorial tributes, he was remembered as “a beloved husband, son, brother and uncle with a lifelong love and deep respect for the ocean.”
Albany Mayor Greg Stocks said the beloved father was on a boat with his father and 14-year-old nephew when the incident occurred.
Mr Stocks explained that the teenager was tasked with taking the boat 13km back to shore to get help.
“My understanding is that Daniel’s father and a 14-year-old nephew were on the boat, and the nephew was driving the boat while Wayne was taking care of Daniel,” he told reporters.
“It’s honestly so incredible that a 14-year-old boy was able to pull himself together to help Daniel and get him to the port as quickly as possible.”
Mr Stocks said the father and teenager deserved a bravery award.
“If that were the case we would support it, but the police would take control of it,” he said.
In a statement, Mr Turpin’s family said they were “devastated” by his death.
“Our family is devastated by this tragic loss and we are still trying to come to terms with what happened,” they wrote, according to ABC.
“Daniel brought great joy to the lives of those who knew and loved him, and we will miss him greatly.”
Mr Turpin’s death marks the second fatal shark attack off the coast of Western Australia in the past three weeks.
Steven Mattaboni, 38, was spearfishing with friends near Rottnest Island and was returning to his boat when he was attacked by a 4-metre shark on Saturday, May 17.
The father of two children, who was seriously injured in his lower leg, could not be saved.
A funeral for the Perth man will be held on Tuesday.
A tribute to Mr. Mattaboni said: “Steven was truly one of a kind, a loving husband, a devoted father and an incredibly kind and genuine man who brought warmth and happiness to those around him.”
“Above all else, he adored his daughters and was a wonderful father.”
