A community is greiving after a Perth man was mauled to death by a shark infront of dozens of helpless beachgoers on Friday.
Greg O’Neill, 63, was swimming just 15m offshore at Sorrento Beach with a friend when he was killed about 10.30am.
Floral tributes have been placed on the now-closed beach where O’Neill’s family mourned alongside members of the community.
“Our family is deeply shocked and devastated by the terrible tragedy that took the life of father, grandfather-to-be, brother, uncle, husband and friend,” O’Neill’s family said in a statement.
“He was a generous, devoted family man that gave his children so much love, care and opportunity. Greg loved the ocean and was known as a swimmer, sports lover, worker and an all round witty guy.”
Community members on the beach were impacted by the incident, and expressed their sadness to 7NEWS.
Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis believes it is the first time in a decade that a kill order has been issued, despite some shark attacks in recent years, including the mauling of 56-year-old surfer Mel Ismail who lost his lower-right leg in an attack last Monday.
One woman commented on Collins’ post after the shark attack: “ Surely it warrants the shark net going back up.”
Conditions were too hazardous for Fisheries Department officials to get out on the water and search for the shark on Saturday, with Sorrento Beach expected to remain closed until at least lunch time on Sunday.