Just Another Shark Incident In Gracetown, WA

Yesterday afternoon at 5:30pm, a surfer had a close encounter with a shark at South Point, Gracetown, exactly one week after two men were attacked by sharks in the same region.  

Thankfully, this scare didn’t involve any physical injuries – the man was only hit by the tail fin of a shark. There is however no doubting that another close call will be sending aftershocks throughout the WA region after last weeks two attacks and the subsequent cancellation of the Margies Pro which was running concurrently. 

A shark warning has now been issued between North Point and South Point for today and signs have also been erected warning any potential surfers considering giving it a go. 

The two men attacked last week are now both recovering, with Alejandro Travaglini – who suffered more severe injuries – being released from hospital yesterday, facing a lengthy recovery before considering returning to the water. 

Alejandro Travaglini swimming in after the attack last Monday. Photo. Peter Jovic

With the WSL’s return to Margaret River heavily under question for the 2019 season, the last thing needed in Margaret River is further shark incidents. A number of surfers are staunchly opposed to ever surfing in WA again, whereas many other tour surfers have voiced their contrary opinions on the matter.

The WA fisheries minister, Dave Kelly, also described both of last week attacks as “avoidable” to Seven News. 

“If that second incident hadn’t taken place, I don’t think we’d be talking about the cancellation of the Margaret River Pro.” Dave Kelly followed up in response to the incidents. 

More details will be released regarding the continuation of the Margies Pro for 2019 (and the possible completion of the cancelled event) in the coming months. In the meantime, let’s hope the Western Australian coastline remains shark incident free.