A shark warning has been issued for the waters between North Point and South Point at Gracetown, in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River, after an interaction with a shark.
A 3.5 metre shark (unknown species) swiped a surfer with its tail around 5.30pm on Monday afternoon, the surfer did not sustain any injuries.
The incident occurred approximately 15 metres offshore, near South Point.
Shark warning signs have been erected in this area by shire rangers and fisheries officers are attending the area.
Update 12pm:
Gracetown beaches have been closed from 10am this morning (Tuesday, April 24) until at least 6pm Thursday, April 26.
The closure encompasses beaches from Ellensbrook in the south to North Point in the north, and extends from the shoreline to two kilometres out to sea.
What to do:
Adhere to beach closures advised by local government rangers or Surf Life Saving WA.
Take additional caution in the waters between South Point and North Point in the Gracetown area.
Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the SharkSmart website 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 response agencies and to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.
What authorities are doing:
Fisheries officers are patrolling in this area for the remainder of the school holidays. Rangers from the shire of Augusta-Margaret River have erected warning signs.
Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are also responding.
The Surf Life Saving WA Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter will be continuing aerial patrols throughout the remainder of the school holidays.
Extra information:
Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the Shark Activity Map on the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity or the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA.
Check sharksmart.com.au/news for current alerts and warnings.
