Fatal Incident
Fatal White Shark Incident During Surfing in Western Australia
gracetown, lefthanders, Western Australia·Australia
A 29-year-old male surfer was fatally attacked by a white shark estimated at 5 meters in length at Gracetown, Western Australia in July 2004. The incident occurred at Lefthanders, a coastal surfing location.
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Incident Profile
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Description
In July 2004, a fatal shark incident occurred at Lefthanders near Gracetown in Western Australia. A 29-year-old male surfer was attacked by a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) estimated to measure approximately 5 meters in length. The attack resulted in major lacerations to the victim's leg and pelvic region. The incident took place at this coastal surfing site. This attack remains part of the documented record of white shark incidents in Australian waters, where such encounters, though rare, underscore the inherent risks associated with ocean activities in areas inhabited by large marine predators.