Greg O'Neill, a 63-year-old father and grandfather-to-be, died Friday after a shark attack at Sorrento Beach in Perth's northern suburbs.
The attack occurred in front of beachgoers around midday. O'Neill had been swimming with a friend when he was struck, according to witness Darrel Haythornthwaite.
"I was just shocked. I mean, I feel for his mate," Haythornthwaite told Nine Network television. "He's apologized and said 'I didn't save my mate' … I said, 'You couldn't have done anything.'"
Another witness, Ryan Rowe, described the violence of the attack to The West Australian. "I couldn't believe there was that much blood (that had) come out of a human body," Rowe said.
O'Neill's family released a statement describing him as "a generous, devoted family man that gave his children so much love, care and opportunity." They emphasized his love for the ocean and his reputation as a passionate swimmer, sports enthusiast and dedicated worker.
"The kind thoughts and support from everyone who has reached out are deeply appreciated," the family said.
Western Australia Police confirmed that O'Neill died as a result of the attack, though they have not disclosed whether his remains have been recovered.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis authorized a catch-and-kill operation for the great white shark involved — a species otherwise protected in Australia.
"In making that decision, I considered the exceptional circumstances of the attack, the hazard posed by the shark, and the potential recovery of coronial evidence," Jarvis said.
Sorrento Beach has become the focal point of community concern following the attack, with police boats and helicopters conducting patrols along the shoreline.
O'Neill's death marks the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year. Earlier incidents included attacks on three spearfishing divers between May and June, and the January death of a 12-year-old boy in Sydney Harbor. Days after O'Neill's death, another shark attack struck a surfer approximately 250 miles north of Perth, resulting in a serious leg injury.
