Man in a critical condition after shark attack on WA’s Rottnest Island

A St John WA ambulance spokesperson said emergency services were called to the scene at Geordie Bay at 10am (local time) today.

A rescue helicopter and police are on site.

The man will be taken by boat to shore where he will be met by St John WA ambulance crews, a WA Police spokesperson said.

“Emergency services were advised of a possible shark attack at Geordie Bay on Rottnest Island,” the spokesperson said.

“No other details are available at this time.”

Surf Life Saving WA said on social media that a five-metre white shark was sighted 80 meters offshore at around 10am this morning.

Rottnest Island is a popular tourist destination off the coast of the city of Perth.

The area is a protected nature reserve known for its quokka population, white sandy beaches and secluded coves.

Several shark attacks have been reported in Australia this year.

Andre de Ruyter, 27, was one of several victims attacked by sharks over the course of 48 hours in NSW in January.

He lost a leg in the attack on Sydney’s northern beaches, which occurred after storms

Nico Antic was the first to be attacked by a suspected bull shark on January 18 after jumping off rocks at Neilson Park, near Shark Beach, in the Vaucluse.

The 12-year-old junior lifesaver later died in hospital. 

Paul Zvirzdinas, 39, also suffered minor injuries after his board and wetsuit were bitten by a shark at Point Plomer near Port Macquarie.