Rare kill order called off after Perth man attacked by shark at popular beach
A rare catch-and-kill order given after a Perth father was killed by a shark at a popular beach in Western Australia has been called off, authorities have confirmed.
Greg O’Neill, 63, was swimming with a friend 15 metres off the shore at Sorrento Beach when he was attacked by a shark on Friday morning.
Greg O’Neill has been fondly remembered as a “generous, devoted” man by his grieving family. Supplied
His body has still not been found.
It marks the second shark attack in WA in a matter of days, and the third shark fatality in the state this year.
A great white shark, believed to be about five metres long, was spotted by aerial surveillance in the area, but it is unclear if it is the animal responsible for the attack.
However, authorities took the unusual step of ordering a catch-and-kill to destroy the shark.
The order was issued by Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis on Saturday morning and all beaches in the area, including Sorrento, were closed.
Efforts to capture the shark were unsuccessful over the weekend and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) said on Monday that it has now concluded the operation.
“There was no evidence of white shark activity in the area yesterday and a significantly diminished chance of catching the individual shark involved in the fatal incident on Friday,” a DPIRD spokesperson told nine.com.au.
A great white shark was spotted off Sorrento Beach after the attack. 9News
“DPIRD has concluded the on-water and land-based patrols in the Sorrento Beach area.
“The Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) helicopter has commenced daily patrols from this morning.”
Beaches in the City of Joondalup from Marmion to Iluka were reopened at 10am on Monday,
Authorities advised swimmers to still exercise caution at Sorrento Beach.
A shark expert has also been drafted in by WA police to investigate how and why the attack may have occurred.
Beaches in the City of Joondalup from Marmion to Iluka were reopened at 10am on Monday, Hannah Murphy
Tributes pour in for shark attack victim
In a statement to 9News, O’Neill’s grieving family remembered him as a “generous, devoted” man who was loved by many.
“Our family is deeply shocked and devastated by the terrible tragedy that took the life of our father, grandfather-to-be, brother, uncle, husband and friend,” the family said.
“He was a generous, devoted family man that gave his children so much love, care and opportunity.”
“Greg loved the ocean and was known as a passionate swimmer, sports lover, dedicated worker and an all-round generous, witty guy.
“The kind thoughts and support from everyone who has reached out are deeply appreciated.”
Greg O’Neill’s (left) family released a statement paying tribute to him as a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Supplied
Locals also gathered and left flowers for O’Neill at Sorrento Beach following the attack.
Even though many had never met him, the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community.
“We’re locals, and we’re absolutely devastated,” Owen Vladich told 9News.
Another local said the community is “so close”.
“You always come down here, and you always greet each other,” they said.
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