On March 10, 2025, a surfer went missing following a violent shark attack in chest-deep waters at Wharton Beach, Western Australia. The attack occurred at approximately 12:17 p.m., prompting an urgent response from local authorities, lifeguards, and emergency services.
Search and Rescue Efforts Intensify
Despite an extensive air and sea search conducted by police, marine rescue teams, and volunteers, the missing surfer has yet to be found. Authorities recovered a badly damaged surfboard floating near the site of the attack, with deep bite marks suggesting the involvement of a large predator.
The Western Australia Department of Fisheries has deployed patrol boats and drones to track the shark’s movements. The search is expected to continue overnight, with divers and sonar technology being used to scan the seabed.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Harrowing Scene
Beachgoers and fellow surfers watched in horror as the shark attacked. One witness, Jake Thompson, described the scene as “terrifying.”
“I heard someone screaming, and when I turned around, there was just a huge splash and a lot of thrashing. It went on for what felt like forever, and then suddenly, it went silent,” Thompson said.Several witnesses also reported seeing a large dark figure circling in the water before the attack. Some claim the shark was at least four meters (13 feet) long, leading experts to suspect it could have been a great white shark, a species known to frequent the area.
Authorities Urge Caution Amid Rising Shark Incidents
Following the attack, Wharton Beach has been closed indefinitely, and authorities have urged locals and tourists to avoid the water until further notice. This marks the fourth fatal shark-related incident in the area since 2017, reigniting concerns about shark activity along the Western Australian coast.
Marine biologists suggest that recent increases in whale migration and warmer ocean temperatures could be attracting more sharks closer to shore. Authorities are now considering additional shark mitigation measures, such as drone surveillance, shark nets, and electronic deterrent systems.
Family and Community in Shock
The missing surfer, whose identity has not yet been officially released, is believed to be a local resident in his late 20s. Family members and friends have gathered at the beach, anxiously awaiting updates from search teams.
Local surfing communities have expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the incident. Some have called for increased safety measures, while others emphasize that shark attacks, though tragic, remain rare occurrences in Australian waters.
What’s Next?
Authorities will continue search operations into the night, while forensic experts analyze the recovered surfboard to determine the exact species and size of the shark. The Western Australian government is also expected to review shark safety protocols in the coming days.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean, and while shark attacks remain rare, experts urge swimmers and surfers to remain vigilant in known shark-prone areas.
