The man killed in a shark attack in Western Australia has been identified as Daniel Turpin.
The family of a man killed in a shark attack off the coast of Western Australia say they are “still coming to terms” with the tragedy.
Daniel Turpin, 35, was spearfishing with his family when he was attacked by a shark around 11am local time on Saturday near Michaelmas Island, off the coast of Albany — about 420km south east of Perth.
Turpin died following the attack, with his family paying tribute to him in a statement.
“Our family is devastated by this tragic loss and we are still coming to terms with what has happened,” his family wrote, according to reports by the ABC.
“Daniel brought enormous joy to the lives of those who knew and loved him, and he will be deeply missed.”
Turpin’s family described him as an “adored husband, son, brother and uncle who had a lifelong love and deep respect for the ocean”.
Emergency services had rushed to Albany Marina where a boat carrying Turpin was expected to meet paramedics on Saturday, but he was unable to be revived.
“A 35-year-old man was spearfishing with family off Michaelmas Island when he was attacked by a shark,” a WA Police spokeswoman said.
“He was conveyed back to shore by boat where he was met by SJA WA paramedics.”
A St John Ambulance spokesman said the man was believed to have suffered critical injuries in the suspected shark attack.
A shark, estimated about 4.5m in length, was reported by a member of the public off Michaelmas Island to Shark Smart on Saturday morning.
Michaelmas Island is located about 13km off Western Australia’s southern coastline in King George Sound.
The tragedy comes three weeks after Steven Mattaboni, 38, was killed while spearfishing off Rottnest Island.
The father of two was believed to have been bitten by great white shark about 1km offshore on May 16.
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