Swimmer killed at Perth beach

Greg O'Neill, 63, was killed by a shark at Sorrento Beach in Perth on Friday. His body has not been found.

“Greg loved the ocean and was known as a passionate swimmer, sports lover, dedicated worker and an all-round generous, witty guy.”

Rare kill order issued

Western Australia's Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis issued a catch-and-kill order for the shark, the first in 10 years. The order is controversial as great white sharks are protected.

“destroy the shark if it could be captured because of the exceptional circumstances of the attack”

Beaches closed until Sunday

All beaches in Perth and along Western Australia's coast remain closed as a precautionary measure until at least midday Sunday. Police boats and helicopters are searching the area.

Second attack in one week

This is the second shark attack in Western Australia this week. On Monday, a 56-year-old surfer was bitten off Geraldton, 430 kilometers north of Perth, and lost part of his leg.

Third fatal attack this year

O'Neill's death is the third fatal shark attack in Western Australia this year and the fifth in Australia overall. A 12-year-old died in Sydney in January, and three divers were killed between May and June.

Controversial history of shark culls

Catching and killing sharks is controversial in Australia. A 2014 cull sparked massive protests, making this kill order a rare and contentious decision.