Updated ,first published
Witnesses have recounted the horrifying moment a swimmer was “mauled” by a large shark at a popular beach in Perth’s northern suburbs on Friday morning.
The man was attacked while swimming about 50 metres off Sorrento Beach around 10.15am, near a groyne that borders the Sorrento Surf Club.
He was in the company of another man who witnessed the attack, and the shark is described to have been up to six metres long. Lifesavers raced to rescue him, however the man has not been seen since.
One witness recounted the horrific scene, telling media the man was “mauled” as the shark “tossed him around like a fish”.
“I’m a nurse, so I mean I obviously see a lot of gruesome stuff, but to see somebody being mauled to death in the water in front of me is pretty hard to clock,” she said.
“I only live just down the road, and I swim every day. I mean, there’s no way I’m going to be getting in that water again.”
The first call to emergency services was made around 10.15am, the same time as reports of a large shark in the area. Three St John WA ambulances were dispatched before being stood down.
Forensics police and specialist detectives have arrived at the scene and taped off a section of the car park, which is directly across from Sacred Heart College.
The beach stairs to the groyne where the man was attacked have also been taped off.
A witness told this masthead there was blood in the water, while another swimmer who was with the man had to be consoled by rescuers once he got to shore.
The shark siren, activated by Sorrento surf club, has been repeatedly sounding since the attack.
The beach has been closed while authorities continue to scour the water. Emergency services, including water police, are currently at the scene.
The Surf Life Saving WA chopper has since joined the search, and it has been hovering almost a kilometre out to sea for about half an hour.
It is understood the man was a regular swimmer at the beach.
More to come.
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