Esperance shark attack leaves community reeling

A Tragic Shark Attack Raises Concerns About Safety Measures in Esperance

The recent shark attack off the coast of Esperance has sent shockwaves through the community, reigniting debates about shark management and public safety. A surfer went missing after the incident, and authorities are still searching for the individual. The attack occurred near Wylie Bay, where witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing a shark fin circling in the water. Joscelin Boissieux, who witnessed the incident, described the harrowing scene: "We heard the scream, and everyone got out of the water. There was only a surfboard left, floating about 30 meters from the shore. The water next to it was dark, with a shark’s fin circling around." The partner of the surfer was on the beach at the time and was left in shock. Boissieux added, "My thoughts are with the family."

The attack has sparked urgent calls for improved shark management strategies. Payne, a vocal advocate for ocean safety, criticized the current approach to shark tagging and monitoring. He emphasized that Fisheries, the agency responsible for tagging sharks, has the capability to tag multiple sharks in a single day but needs to shift its focus. "Fisheries have the capability to tag because they go out, and they tag five or six great whites in one day. We want them to move their capture tagging program from all our remote islands to more responding to events like this because great whites revisit areas of interest," Payne said. He expressed concern that the shark involved in the attack had not been tagged, pointing to a gap in the system.

Calls for Better Shark Management and Tagging Programs

Payne’s frustration is shared by many in the Ocean Safety community and Esperance. He argued that simply closing beaches and patrolling the area in boats is not an adequate response to these incidents. "Completely ignoring the situation and just saying we’re going to close the beach and drive up and down in our boats each time this happens is not enough," he said. Payne stressed that more proactive measures are needed to protect human lives, especially as shark interactions with humans appear to be increasing. "These sharks are not getting better, they’re getting worse, the interactions are increasing considerably," he warned.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has been conducting shark tagging activities off the Esperance coast during the seal pupping season, which typically runs from November to February. Between November 2024 and February 2025, DPIRD conducted five tagging trips, resulting in the tagging of nine white sharks, six of which were off the coast of Esperance. Since 2009, DPIRD has tagged 206 white sharks in Western Australian waters. Additionally, tagged shark detector beacons have been installed at three beaches in the region: Twilight Beach, West Beach, and Kelp Beds Beach. While these efforts are a step in the right direction, some argue they are insufficient given the growing frequency of shark encounters.

Eyewitness Accounts Highlight the Trauma of the Incident

The attack has left the Esperance community in a state of shock and grief. Joscelin Boissieux, who witnessed the incident, provided a chilling account of what unfolded. He recalled hearing screams as people in the water alerted others to the presence of the shark. Within moments, the beach was evacuated, leaving only the surfboard floating in the water. Boissieux described the scene as "dark" with a shark fin visibly circling the area. The surfer’s partner, who was on the beach at the time, was left in a state of shock, and the incident has weighed heavily on the minds of locals and visitors alike.

The Need for Proactive Measures and Community Engagement

The Esperance shark attack has underscored the need for a more responsive and proactive approach to shark management. Payne and others in the Ocean Safety community are pushing for Fisheries to adapt their tagging programs to better respond to incidents like this. By focusing on areas where sharks are known to frequent, especially after attacks, Fisheries could improve monitoring and detection, potentially preventing future tragedies. Additionally, the installation of shark detection beacons at more beaches could enhance safety for beachgoers.

As the search for the missing surfer continues, the community remains on edge. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing human safety while coexisting with marine life. The Ocean Safety community, along with Esperance residents, hopes that this tragedy will prompt meaningful changes in shark management policies. Boissieux summed up the sentiment of many when he said, "My thoughts are with the family."

A Call to Action for Enhanced Shark Management

In the wake of this tragic incident, there is a growing consensus that more must be done to address the increasing number of shark encounters. Payne and others are advocating for a shift in Fisheries’ tagging program, emphasizing the need to focus on areas where sharks are actively present rather than remote locations. "We feel like more can be done; we’re talking about human lives here," Payne said. By adopting a more responsive and adaptive approach, authorities can better protect both humans and marine life.

As the Esperance community mourns the loss of the surfer and supports the family, the incident serves as a catalyst for change. Improved shark tagging, better monitoring systems, and increased public education are all critical components of a comprehensive safety strategy. The Ocean Safety community and residents of Esperance hope that this tragedy will lead to tangible improvements in shark management, ensuring that such events are minimized in the future.

The Esperance shark attack is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and marine ecosystems. While sharks are an essential part of the ocean, their increasing interactions with humans call for proactive measures to safeguard lives. By learning from this incident and implementing better safety protocols, the community can work toward a safer and more harmonious coexistence with marine life.

In conclusion, the Esperance shark attack has highlighted the urgent need for improved shark management strategies. From enhancing tagging programs to installing more detection beacons, there are steps that can be taken to protect both humans and sharks. As the search for the missing surfer continues, the community remains united in its call for action, hoping that this tragedy will not be in vain.