CITY of Wanneroo beaches have reopened this afternoon after being closed yesterday due to a fatal shark attack at Sorrento beach.
Yanchep Lagoon beach was still closed about 12.45pm today but about 2.40pm Wanneroo Mayor Linda Aitken told Yanchep News Online that signs saying the city’s beaches were closed were being removed and the beaches reopening.
About 10.30am yesterday emergency services were called to Sorrento beach following a report a swimmer had been bitten by a shark while swimming along the coast.
The WA Police helicopter, water police officers, the RAC Rescue helicopter and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries vessels conducted an extensive search of the area.
Just before 3pm yesterday WA Police confirmed the swimmer had died as a result of the attack.
This afternoon Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis posted on Facebook that the shark involved was later found by water police and positively identified.
“Water police requested that the shark be captured to assist with the recovery of potential coronial evidence,’’ her post said.
“Given the shark had been positively identified, remained in the vicinity following a fatal attack and was considered to pose an ongoing threat, I authorised Fisheries officers to destroy the shark if captured.
“Capture gear was deployed, however the shark has not been captured at this stage.
“WA Police and Fisheries officers remain in the area and beaches in the area are closed.”
Yesterday Yanchep Surf Life Saving Club posted on Facebook that the beach had been closed by the City of Wanneroo.
Yanchep Surf Life Saving Club has an open day scheduled for tomorrow Sunday, September 20. Picture: Anita McInnes
