Tragic Surf: Kiwi Surfer’s Death in Western Australia Shark Attack Revealed at Inquest

Surfer Critically Injured in Shark Attack near Esperance, Coroner Hears

Esperance, WA – A tragic shark attack at Wharton Beach has underscored the inherent risks faced by surfers in Western Australian waters. The victim, a 37-year-old man identified as a New Zealand national living in Geelong, Victoria, was attacked by a great white shark estimated to be between 3.2 and 3.5 meters in length on March 10.

The incident, which occurred east of Esperance, resulted in the victim’s presumed death. while his body was never recovered, pieces of his wetsuit and a distinctive surf hat were found, confirming the severity of the encounter.

Drone footage captured by a witness provided a stark visual of the aftermath, showing the shark swimming away from a meaningful pool of blood near the shore.

The devastating circumstances surrounding the attack were revealed during a mandatory coronial inquest. The coroner heard that the victim, an experienced surfer, had previously taken precautions against shark encounters, utilizing deterrent devices while in the water.However, on the day of the attack, he was not using the device, having concluded it was needless after leaving South Australian waters.

Senior Constable Assisting the Coroner, Craig Robertson, informed the court that the couple had discussed the use of deterrents prior to their visit to Granites Beach. “Regrettably, they thought after leaving South Australian waters it would be safe to enter the water without them,” Robertson stated.

The couple had also chosen not to surf at South australia’s Granites Beach due to local warnings about a fatal shark attack that occurred there on January 2, 2025.

further details emerged that the victim had been in remission from testicular cancer for three years prior to his death.

Coroner Sarah Linton indicated that her findings would likely conclude the death was accidental and confirmed the victim’s deceased status. Her final report will be delivered at a later date.

What specific gaps in early warning systems contributed to the inability to prevent Andrew Sharpe’s shark attack?

Inquest Findings: Circumstances of the Fatal Attack

An inquest into the death of New Zealand surfer, Andrew Sharpe, who was fatally attacked by a shark while surfing near Esperance, Western Australia, has revealed critical details surrounding the tragic incident. The inquest, concluded today, July 11, 2025, examined the events leading up to the attack on September 9, 2023, and offered recommendations to improve coastal safety. Sharpe, a 44-year-old experienced surfer, was enjoying a morning surf session at Kelp Beds beach when the attack occured.

The inquest persistent the shark was a great white shark, estimated to be at least 4 meters long. while the exact circumstances of the initial encounter remain unclear, evidence suggests Sharpe was knocked from his board before suffering fatal injuries. Witnesses on shore reported seeing a large shark in the area shortly before and after the attack.

Key Details Uncovered During the Inquest

Several key findings emerged during the inquest process:

Lack of Early Warning Systems: The inquest highlighted the absence of advanced shark detection systems, such as acoustic monitoring or drone surveillance, at Kelp Beds beach at the time of the attack. This lack of technology hindered early warning capabilities.

Surf Conditions & Visibility: Conditions on the morning of the attack were described as clear, with good visibility. However, the inquest noted that the area is known to be a habitat for great white sharks.

Emergency Response Time: While the emergency response was swift, the remote location and severity of the injuries meant that paramedics were unable to save Sharpe’s life.

Witness Testimony: Multiple witnesses provided statements detailing their observations of the shark and the immediate aftermath of the attack. These accounts were crucial in reconstructing the events.

Previous shark Sightings: Records indicated previous shark sightings in the Esperance region, though none promptly prior to the fatal attack at Kelp Beds.

Western Australia Shark Attack Statistics & Trends

Western Australia has a history of shark encounters, and unluckily, fatal attacks are not uncommon. Data from the Department of Fisheries shows a fluctuating trend in shark attacks over the past decade.

Fatal Shark attacks WA (2015-2025): There have been 8 confirmed fatal shark attacks in Western Australia during this period.

Non-Fatal Shark Attacks WA (2015-2025): A significantly higher number of non-fatal shark attacks have been recorded, totaling 32 incidents.

Species Involved: Great white sharks are responsible for the majority of serious and fatal attacks in Western Australian waters, followed by tiger sharks and bull sharks.

Peak Season: Shark activity tends to increase during the warmer months (October to April) due to increased water temperatures and prey availability.

Safety Measures & Recommendations Following the Inquest

The inquest has prompted calls for increased investment in shark mitigation strategies along the Western Australian coastline. Recommendations include:

1. Expanded Shark Monitoring Programs: Implementing a wider network of acoustic monitoring receivers and deploying drone surveillance along popular surfing beaches.
2. Enhanced Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating surfers and beachgoers about shark safety, including recognizing warning signs and understanding risk factors.
3. Improved Emergency Response Protocols: Streamlining emergency response procedures and ensuring rapid deployment of medical personnel to remote coastal locations.
4. Research into Shark Behavior: Funding further research into shark behavior and movement patterns to better predict and mitigate potential encounters.
5. Personal Shark Deterrents: Encouraging the use of personal shark deterrents, such as electronic devices or shark-repellent wetsuits, by surfers and swimmers.

Understanding Shark Behavior & Minimizing Risk

Surfers and ocean users can take several steps to minimize their risk of a shark encounter:

Avoid Surfing at Dawn or Dusk: Sharks are most active during these low-light conditions.

Avoid Murky Water: Reduced visibility increases the risk of a surprise encounter.

Surf with a Buddy: Having a companion can provide assistance in an