Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

Woman attacked by shark at Esperance in WA's south, scene of two previous fatal attacks

Kelp Beds beach in Esperance has been the scene of two fatal shark attacks in recent years. (ABC News: Mark Bennett)

A woman has been attacked by a shark at Kelp Beds, east of Esperance, on WA's south coast.

The woman was on a flotation device about 200 metres offshore when witnesses reported seeing a shark, a spokesman from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRB) said.

The ABC understands she was taken to hospital by friends.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service confirmed it was transporting a patient to Perth from Esperance, with the flight to arrive later this evening.

The incident was reported just before midday.

The department is working with local authorities to investigate.

Two fatal shark attacks in same area

Kelp Beds, located in Wylie Bay, has been the location of two fatal shark attacks in recent years.

In October 2020, surfer Andrew Sharpe was taken, with just pieces of his wetsuit recovered.

Wylie Bay, where Kelp Beds beach is located, is popular with locals and tourists alike. (Supplied: Golden Orb Designs Landscape Photography)

And in 2017, 17-year-old Laeticia Brouwer died after being bitten by a great white shark while surfing at the same spot as her mother and sisters watched from the beach.

The type of shark involved in today's attack is unknown, though a 3.3 metre great white was reported in the area about 12.30pm.

The condition of the woman is unknown.

Kelp Beds beach has been closed to the public.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.