The Australian police have confirmed that a missing surfer was attacked and taken by a shark while surfing at Wharton beach in Western Australia. The victim, identified as 37-year-old Steven Payne, is now presumed dead, as search and rescue teams have found his surfboard with evidence of bite marks. This tragic incident marks Australia’s fourth fatal shark attack in recent months.
Senior Sergeant Christopher Taylor of the Western Australia Police Force stated that the search operation is now a recovery mission, as the surfer’s body has not yet been located. The attack occurred while Payne was in chest-deep water with two other surfers, who were unable to assist him. Witnesses reported hearing screams just before the shark attack.
This incident follows other fatal shark attacks in Australia, including the deaths of a 17-year-old girl in February, a 28-year-old surfer in South Australia in January, and a 40-year-old man in Queensland in December. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by sharks in Australian waters.
As the search for Steven Payne continues, authorities are urging caution for surfers and beachgoers in the area. Despite the tragedy, many are coming together to mourn the loss of a fellow surfer and offer support to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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