Man in his 30s critical after Rottnest Shark Attack at Geordie Bay

A man in his 30s was badly mauled in the rottnest shark attack at Geordie Bay on Rottnest Island and was in critical condition. Emergency services were scrambled just before 10am, after WA Police was advised of a possible shark attack off Geordie Bay at 9.55am.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development was alerted at 9.54am. A DPIRD spokesperson said, "DPIRD is working with local authorities, and further information will be provided as it becomes available".

Geordie Bay response

WA Police said, "A male person is believed to have been bitten by a shark and is being conveyed by boat to shore and will be met by SJA WA paramedics". The victim was understood to be in his 30s, and the boat transfer meant treatment moved from the water to shore as responders worked to reach him.

DPIRD urged people on the island to take additional caution in the Geordie Bay area. Geordie Bay is described as a popular Rottnest Island holiday spot, which put the warning in front of visitors already using the area.

Rottnest Island caution

The first response came through the agencies most directly responsible for the incident. DPIRD said it was working with local authorities, while WA Police handled the report of a possible shark attack and the handoff to SJA WA paramedics.

For anyone still on Rottnest Island, the practical step was simple: stay cautious around Geordie Bay and follow the advice already issued by DPIRD while emergency crews dealt with the victim. The attack left one man in critical condition and brought a fast public warning to the same part of the island where people had been swimming and visiting.