A significant shark warning has been officially issued for the Canning River in Perth, following a concerning incident where a swimmer was reportedly bumped by a large bull shark. The event has prompted urgent safety advisories from local authorities.
Details of the Shark Encounter
The interaction occurred at Deep Water Point in the suburb of Melville at approximately 5:00 PM on Thursday. The swimmer involved reported the incident to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on Friday morning, describing the shark as an estimated 3.5 metres in length.
Additional Shark Sightings in the Area
Earlier on Thursday morning, a separate bull shark sighting was reported near the Gentilli Way Boat Ramp, located close to Deep Water Point. A member of the public observed a shark measuring around 1.7 metres just five metres from the shoreline, indicating heightened shark activity in the Perth river system.
This incident follows warnings issued last year about increased shark presence in Perth's waterways, particularly after multiple bull sharks were spotted near the old Fremantle traffic bridge. The pattern suggests a recurring trend that necessitates ongoing vigilance.
Official Safety Recommendations
In response to these events, authorities are strongly urging the public to exercise additional caution when in the Deep Water Point vicinity. It is crucial to adhere to any beach closures or safety directives issued by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers, or Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA).
For real-time updates on shark activity, residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA mobile application, or follow the SLSWA account on social media platform X. Any shark sightings should be reported immediately to the Water Police on 9442 8600 to assist in community safety efforts.
The combination of recent sightings and this latest encounter underscores the importance of heeding official warnings and staying informed about local marine conditions to ensure personal safety in Perth's popular aquatic areas.
