The search for a killer great white has been called off after a swimmer was mauled in front of shocked beachgoers in Perth.
Greg O’Neill, 63, was swimming just 15m offshore at Sorrento Beach with a friend when he was killed by the shark about 10.30am on Friday.
A kill order was issued, and Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said it was first time in a decade that such a response was approved.
“Given the circumstances here, I think it was entirely appropriate,” Jarvis said.
But the search was called off within hours of drum lines being laid in the waters off Sorrento Beach.
Drones, boats and helicopters searched the water for about six hours, and found no trace of the shark.
“The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has determined that it will not continue to deploy shark capture gear off Sorrento Beach and has concluded the operation,” DPIRD told 7NEWS.com.au.
“There was no evidence of white shark activity in the area yesterday and a significantly diminished chance of catching the individual shark involved in the fatal incident on Friday.”
Beaches between Marmion to Iluka were closed to the public following the attack, but reopened at 10am.
“DPIRD recommends additional caution at Sorrento Beach and the surrounding area,” DPIRD said.
Police had also been searching for O’Neill’s remains, but have also been unable to locate them.
One shocked witness told 7NEWS she saw the partial remains floating on the water’s surface directly following the shark attack, but noted that some time passed before water police brought boats to the patch of water where O’Neill was dragged.
There were previously shark nets installed at Sorrento Beach, with some people are now calling for them to be returned.
The Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) helicopter will be conducting daily patrols of the water from Monday morning.
Swimmers are urged to stay informed about shark activity in the area, by checking the SharkSmart website.
“If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600,” DPIRD said.