Diver dies after shark attack off Albany, Western Australia
According to ABC News Australia, an experienced diver has died after being attacked by a 4.5-metre white shark during a permitted dive off the coast of Albany in Western Australia. Local authorities have temporarily closed the coastline.
According to ABC News Australia, citing local police sources, the incident occurred near Cheynes Beach east of Albany while a certified professional dive team was underwater. The shark left the area after the attack; despite teammates' efforts to bring the diver ashore, intervention was not sufficient.
The Western Australian Department of Fisheries and Environment said the coastline had been closed until further notice and that aerial monitoring units had been deployed. A department spokesperson said white sharks of this size can approach the coast in winter due to fish migration.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook offered condolences to the family and said the government would review safety protocols with fishing communities and dive industry representatives. The local tourism association said dive operators along the coast had voluntarily decided to postpone bookings.
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