Male diver fighting for life after shark attack off Albany coast

A man is fighting for his life after he was bitten by a shark off the coast of Albany on Saturday morning.

A male diver was bitten by a suspected 4.5 metre shark just before 11.30am on Saturday at Michaelmas Island off Albany.

The man was rushed by boat to the Albany marina, almost a 13km journey, where he was met by St John WA paramedics.

The man has critical injuries, according to a St John WA spokesperson.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after the incident was reported around 11.20am.

Local sea rescue crews have locked down Albany marina.

A Frankland River fisherman arrived at the marina just before midday to find emergency services swarming the carpark and preparing to shut the boat ramp to the public. “We arrived just before 12pm and it wasn’t quite shut yet, I think it had all kind of just happened,” he said. “We saw someone get taken away in an ambulance, and then pretty much just shut the boat ramp for anyone who wants to put the boat in the water. “There were a fair few people wanting to get their boats in, and they did end up opening that lane to that people would take their boats out of the water, but we’ve just been waiting around since then.”

Albany residents Archie and Julian Smith were out fishing for whiting in the same area where the attack occurred.

“It’s pretty scary, pretty shocking, and sad,” Archie Smith said.

“We do a lot of fishing in Albany, never really see any [sharks].

“We’ve only just caught a few small ones here and there, but nothing big or anything like that, no great whites.

“Obviously, it’s never good but it just shows that there’s always sharks around and it’s a big reminder to be careful.”

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is assisting emergency services with the shark attack.

“About 11.20am on Saturday, 6 June 2026, emergency services were advised of a possible shark attack off the Albany coast,” a WA Police spokesperson said.

“A male person is believed to have been bitten by a shark and is being conveyed by boat to shore and will be met by SJA WA paramedics.

“At this stage, we have no further details to confirm.”

People in the area have been urged to to take additional caution in the Michaelmas Island area and adhere to beach closures.

Shark Smart alerts show the suspected shark was reported near Michaelmas Island around 11.25am.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.