Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club has paid tribute to the “much-loved” grandfather killed in a fatal shark attack, as the Cook Government defended its decision to order the animal caught and killed.
Greg James O’Neill was attacked by a great white shark at Sorrento Beach on Friday and died in the water.
The 63-year-old’s body has not been recovered.
Sorrento SLSC president Rob Doherty said the club was “deeply saddened” by the fatal attack so close to shore.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Greg’s family, friends and loved ones,” he said.
“We are also thinking of Greg’s friend Gibbo, who was with him at the time, and all those who witnessed or were affected by the incident.
“A number of club members, staff and others assisted with the immediate response and subsequent operations.
“Please be mindful of this when dealing with our team this week.
“The wellbeing of our people is our immediate priority.”
Mr Doherty said the club was working with Surf Lifesaving WA and other support services to ensure assistance is avaliable to those impacted.
“The club is working closely with Surf Life Saving WA, the City of Joondalup and the relevant authorities to understand the next steps and consider what additional measures may be appropriate,” he said.
“Any decisions will be guided by expert advice and the safety and wellbeing of our members and community.”
Daily shark surveillance patrols across Perth beaches will resume nearly a week ahead of schedule, after the tragic death of a swimmer at Sorrento.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis has announced a “catch and kill order” to destroy the shark, which is estimated to be between 5m and 6m.
The capture gear has now been withdrawn offshore from Sorrento Beach with Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development officers concluding their on-water and land-based patrols of the area today.
While weekend aerial patrols of metropolitan beaches started in September, daily flights were not scheduled to be back in the sky until September 26.
Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti said daily surveillance will be brought forward, to recommence again on Monday.
“I was informed this morning that we’re bringing forward the daily surveillance to tomorrow,” she said.
“We’re happy to look at what other measures we can take in relation to aerial surveillance to support people feeling safer on our beaches.”
She said the Government was also open to discussions about increasing funding for aerial drones and other monitoring measures.
Mrs Saffioti extended her condolences to Mr O’Neill’s family, revealing she had also spoken to Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club president Rob Doherty to offer the government’s support for the local community.
“We know that this is a terrible time for the community around that club,” she said.
“This affects so many people that were on that beach and experienced this horrific incident.”
Ms Saffioti backed the catch and kill order issued by Fisheries, rejecting criticism from the Greens that there was no evidence the order would make people safer, or even catch the right shark.
“This is an exceptional circumstance in relation to the location of this horrific tragedy, so close to a metropolitan beach,” she said.
“The minister made a decision based on that advice.”
“These are always tough decisions but it’s the right decision in this circumstance.”
Ms Saffioti said that fisheries officers were continuing to search for the shark.
“I know some of the searches couldn’t occur over the past couple of days because of the conditions of the water but they’re out there at the moment,” she said.
MLC and Healthy Oceans spokesperson Sophie McNeill said there was no evidence that a catch and kill order would make the public safe.
“In fact, it might give people a false sense of security,” she said.
“There is no guarantee that the baited drum line that has been deployed will catch the right shark, or that it won’t attract more sharks to the area.
“Previous drumline hook programs in WA saw entirely different species of sharks killed, not the great whites the government had been targeting.
“Even non-lethal drum line programs (catch and release programs) have impacts on sharks and other marine life.”
Ms McNeill said that the Greens believed an increased investment in non-lethal means of intervention was a better approach.
“We want to see an immediate increase in funding for the provision of more shark spotting drones and helicopters this summer, as well as an expansion of the dedicated shark tagging program,” she said.
“Additionally, investments in more eco-shark enclosures (like at Cottesloe Beach), scientifically proven electronic personal deterrent devices and bite resistant wetsuits can significantly reduce the risk of shark encounters to ocean goers.”
Beaches remain closed by the City of Joondalup from J210 Marmion BEN sign in the south to J37 Iluka BEN Sign to the north and will be reopened at 10am Monday morning.
“DPIRD recommends additional caution at Sorrento Beach and the surrounding area,” SharkSmart said.
The Cook Government has ruled out a shark cull despite three fatal attacks in WA in just four months.
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