An American diver has become the third victim of fatal shark attacks off Australia’s south-west coast in less than two months.
Scientists said three sharks more likely are responsible, and the three cases are unfortunate encounters with nature.
The latest was on Saturday when American George Thomas Wainwright was attacked while diving solo off a boat near Rottnest Island, a few miles from the city of Perth in Western Australia state.
Australia’s south-west corner has been better known for whale and dolphin-watching cruises, white sandy beaches and surf breaks than for shark attacks.
Western Australia state fisheries minister Norman Moore said, referring to the three recent deadly attacks, said: “This is a unique set of circumstances, and I’m desperately … praying this is not the beginning of a new trend … and we’re going to have these on a regular basis.”
State premier Colin Barnett said his government would consider shark culls, responding to locals’ complaints that shark numbers are increasing off bustling beaches in one of Australia’s fastest growing population areas.