Swimmer mauled to death by 16ft great white shark in horror attack at tourist hotspot

A man in his 30s has died following a shark attack off Rottnest Island, a popular tourist destination near Perth in Western Australia

A man has tragically died in a devastating shark attack on a well-known Australian island.

The victim, aged in his 30s, was transported to the shoreline in a critical state following sightings of a ‘five-metre white shark‘ at Rottnest Island close to Perth.

A St John Western Australia ambulance representative confirmed that emergency crews were summoned to the location off Geordie Bay at 10am (local time) on Saturday, May 16.

A rescue helicopter, paramedics and police all raced to the incident.

According to WA Police the man was brought ashore by boat, where ambulance paramedics were waiting.

“Emergency services were advised of a possible shark attack off Geordie Bay at Rottnest Island ,” the spokesperson said.

Police confirmed that paramedics were unable to resuscitate the man following his urgent transfer to shore.

A report is being compiled for the coroner.

Surf Life Saving WA reported that a five-metre white shark was spotted at approximately 10am this morning, 80 metres from the coastline.

Rottnest stands as a beloved tourist hotspot, situated off the Western Australian city of Perth.

The location serves as a protected nature reserve, renowned for its pristine sandy beaches and native quokka wildlife.

A representative from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed the department was collaborating with local officials and would release additional details imminently.

This incident follows a previous series of shark encounters at the start of the year, with multiple cases reported around Sydney.

A 12-year-old boy, Nico Antic, tragically lost his life after being attacked by a shark while with mates at a Sydney beach in January.

This marked the first in a series of similar incidents that occurred in New South Wales.