Shark Attack at Rottnest Island, Western Australia – May 2026

On 16 May 2026, a man sustained injuries in a shark attack in waters off Rottnest Island, located off the coast of Western Australia. All three sources reporting on the incident indicated the victim was in critical condition following the attack. No further details regarding the victim's age, the specific activity he was engaged in at the time, or the nature of his injuries were available in initial reports.

Emergency services responded to the incident, according to reporting from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The shark species involved was not identified in any of the available sources.

Rottnest Island is an island located approximately 18 kilometres west of Fremantle in Western Australia. The waters surrounding the island are frequented by recreational swimmers, snorkellers, and divers. Western Australia has historically recorded a notable number of shark interactions along its coastline.