A spearfisherman has escaped unharmed after a frighteningly close encounter with a large great white shark off Western Australia's southern coast, prompting an official warning for beachgoers.
Close Encounter in Cape Arid National Park
The incident occurred around 12pm on Sunday, 7 December 2025, at Dolphin Cove within the Cape Arid National Park, near Esperance. According to reports received by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), a three-metre-long great white shark "interacted" with the spearfisherman in the water.
Fortunately, the individual was not injured during the encounter. The event has raised concerns, coming just one week after a kite surfer was attacked and a diver was bumped by a 2.5m great white near Gnarabup Boat Ramp in Margaret River, further west along the coast.
Official Shark Warning Issued
In response to the latest incident, DPIRD has formally issued a shark warning for the Dolphin Cove area. A department spokesperson urged the public to exercise heightened caution.
"Take additional caution in the Dolphin Cove, Cape Arid National Park area," the spokesperson advised. The department is actively monitoring the situation.
Staying Safe: Use Your Sea Sense
Authorities are reminding water users to employ common-sense safety measures, often referred to as "Sea Sense," especially in known shark habitats. Key recommendations include:
- Checking for recent shark activity before entering the water.
- Using the official SharkSmart WA app or visiting the SharkSmart website for real-time alerts.
- Following the Surf Life Saving WA account on X (formerly Twitter) for updates.
This latest encounter serves as a stark reminder of the presence of large marine predators in WA waters. While such interactions are rare, vigilance and using available resources to stay informed are crucial for anyone venturing into the ocean.
