Tourist fatally attacked by 13ft great white in WA waters
A 28-year-old British tourist was killed by a 13ft great white shark while snorkeling off Western Australia’s Margaret River coast Wednesday. Authorities confirmed the attack as the region’s first fatal shark encounter in four years.
Margaret River, WA — A 28-year-old British tourist was killed by a 13ft great white shark Wednesday afternoon during a snorkeling excursion off the coast of Western Australia’s Margaret River, authorities confirmed late Thursday.
The victim, identified as James Whitmore from London, was part of a guided group when the shark struck at approximately 2:47 p.m. local time near Injidup Beach, 28 kilometers north of Augusta. Rescue crews recovered his body within 12 minutes of the emergency call, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
📋 By The Numbers
- 28 years old — Age of the victim
- 13 feet — Estimated length of the shark involved
- 12 minutes — Time from emergency call to recovery
- 2020 — Last fatal shark attack in WA
- 4 years — Years since WA’s last fatal encounter
Whitmore, a marine biology graduate, had been in Australia for three weeks, part of a research internship with the University of Western Australia. Colleagues described him as an experienced snorkeler with over 50 logged dives in temperate waters.
Survivors reported hearing a loud splash before the attack, followed by Whitmore shouting for help as the shark dragged him underwater. Two fellow snorkelers attempted to fend off the shark with dive fins, but it returned and made a second strike, leading to the fatal injuries.
| Activity | Risk Level | Common Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Surfing | Moderate | Cottesloe, Margaret River |
| Snorkeling | High | Injidup, Smiths Beach |
| Swimming | Low | Protected bays |
Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development issued an immediate warning for snorkelers and divers in the region, urging them to avoid waters deeper than 5 meters and to wear protective gear, including chainmail vests.
Key Points
- ⚠️ First fatal shark attack in WA since 2020
- 🦈 The shark measured 13 feet, per initial estimates
- 🏊♂️ Victim was an experienced snorkeler with 50+ dives logged
- 🚨 Emergency response time was 12 minutes
- 🔬 Victim was part of a research internship with UWA
Local marine biologist Dr. Elena Vasquez, who studies great white shark behavior in the area, noted that the region’s waters are a seasonal hotspot for the species due to migrating seal populations. “Great whites follow the seals,” she said. “Margaret River’s coastline is a natural funnel, which increases encounters.”
💡 Pro Tip
Avoid snorkeling at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active. If you must enter the water, stay in groups of three or more and keep a visual on each other at all times.
Whitmore’s death marks the third fatal shark attack in Australian waters this year, following incidents in New South Wales and Queensland. The state government has faced renewed pressure to reassess its shark mitigation strategies, including the controversial drumline program, which involves baited hooks to capture and euthanize sharks deemed high-risk.
Friends and family of Whitmore gathered outside his London home Thursday night, holding candles and signs demanding safer conditions for marine researchers. A vigil is planned for Saturday at Cottesloe Beach, a popular snorkeling spot 250 kilometers north of the attack site.
- Immediate response — Rescue crews arrived within 7 minutes of the emergency call
- Shark tracking — Authorities deployed drones and spotter planes to monitor shark movements
- Closure of waters — Authorities closed a 2km stretch of coastline for 48 hours
The Department of Fisheries confirmed the shark was euthanized during the response efforts after it exhibited aggressive behavior near the incident site. Tissue samples were collected for DNA analysis to confirm the species.
- 📊 WA averages one fatal shark attack per decade
- 🔍 Experts warn climate change may alter shark migration patterns
- ⚠️ Drumline programs remain controversial, with critics citing ecological harm