UPDATE: The findings of the coroner’s investigation into the fatal shark attack on March 10, 2023, off the coast of Esperance, have been released, revealing shocking details about the tragic event. Steve Payne, a 37-year-old surfer from Melbourne, was attacked by a 3-metre great white shark while enjoying a holiday in Australia.
According to Coroner Sarah Linton, who delivered her findings on Friday, Payne was aware of the risks associated with surfing in Western Australia but may have underestimated the actual danger posed by sharks in the region. The incident occurred at Wharton Beach, where a drone operated by a tourist inadvertently captured footage of the attack, showing the shark striking from behind before dragging Payne under the water.
Coroner Linton detailed the moments leading up to the attack, stating, “Steve was sitting on his board a bit further out in the deeper water than the other two men.” She noted that the water was “crystal clear,” yet none of the surfers saw the shark approach. The two other surfers only became aware of the danger when they noticed splashing and saw the large shark engaged with Payne.
“The surfers realized immediately that Steve was in trouble,” Linton reported. “He didn’t make a sound, even at the start of the attack, and it appeared to them both that he was fatally injured and would have been deceased in seconds.” Authorities confirmed that the drone footage included harrowing images of the aftermath, showing the shark circling around Payne’s last location.
The coroner’s investigation has reignited discussions on shark safety and awareness for surfers in the region. Many local surfers are calling for increased measures to ensure safety, including better education on shark behavior and awareness of their surroundings while in the water.
With summer approaching, the Esperance community is on high alert, as officials emphasize the importance of monitoring shark activity and adhering to safety protocols. The coroner’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of ocean environments and the need for caution.
What happens next is still unfolding as the local authorities assess measures to improve safety and awareness for beachgoers and surfers. Residents and visitors alike are urged to stay vigilant as they enjoy the waters around this popular surfing destination.
This tragic event highlights the risks surfers face and the need for ongoing discussions about marine safety. Share this urgent update to raise awareness about the dangers lurking in the waters of Esperance.
