A diver who died after he was mauled by a shark in front of loved ones off the Western Australia coast has been identified.
Daniel Turpin, a 35-year-old panel beater, was spearfishing with family when he was bitten by a suspected 4.5m shark just before 11.30am on Saturday at Michaelmas Island off Albany, 400km southeast of Perth.
His heartbroken family said they were struggling to come to terms with his sudden death in a statement.
‘Our family is devastated by this tragic loss and we are still coming to terms with what has happened,’ the family wrote.
‘Daniel brought enormous joy to the lives of those who knew and loved him, and he will be deeply missed.
‘We would like to thank the emergency services personnel and all those who have offered their support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time.
‘We respectfully ask that the media and the wider community respect our privacy and allow us the space to grieve together.
‘We appreciate your understanding.’
Daniel Turpin (above) died in a shark attack at Michaelmas Island on Saturday
Loved ones remembered Mr Turpin as an ‘adored husband, son, brother and uncle who had a lifelong love and deep respect for the ocean’.
Alongside the statement, the family shared two photos. One showed Mr Turpin smiling and the other was from his recent wedding day.
Mr Turpin was rushed by boat to the Albany marina suffering critical injuries, where he was met by St John WA paramedics.
‘Sadly, he was unable to be revived,’ a WA Police statement read.
It’s understood Mr Turpin worked with sharks at Shark Bay’s Ocean Park Aquarium.
He left the research centre in 2017 to travel before returning to his home in Albany.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner. The species of shark is unknown.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is assisting police and local authorities.
It’s believed Mr Turpin was attacked by a 4.5-metre shark (pictured is Mr Turpin, right, with family and his wife on their wedding day)
Beachgoers have been urged to take extra caution around the island, a popular tourist spot 13km off the coast of Albany.
Surfers reported spotting a shark of a similar size at a beach on the island on Friday.
Hours later, a tagged Great White set off a receiver in Frenchman Bay, near where tragedy unfolded.
The Albany boat ramp was shut down following the fatal attack, as forensic officers examined the vessel.
‘We saw someone get taken away in an ambulance, and then pretty much just shut the boat ramp for anyone who wants to put the boat in the water,’ a fisherman told the West Australian.
A shocked local added: ‘We do a lot of fishing in Albany, never really see any [sharks].
‘Obviously, it’s never good but it just shows that there’s always sharks around and it’s a big reminder to be careful.’
WA Premier Roger Cook would not be drawn on whether his government would revisit laws to protect swimmers.
The Albany boat ramp (above) was shut down following the fatal attack
‘I am deeply saddened to hear of this morning’s fatal shark attack in Albany,’ the Premier said.
‘This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, as well as the first responders.
‘I know members of the local community will wrap their arms around them, and I urge those who are impacted to reach out for support.’
It was the second fatal shark attack in WA and third nationwide within three weeks.
Perth father-of-two Steven Mattaboni, 38, was spearfishing with friends off Rottnest Island on May 16 when he was attacked on the leg by a suspected great white.
His friends performed CPR as they raced him by boat to the island, where paramedics were waiting, but he could not be revived.
Mr Mattaboni had become a father for the second time just four months earlier and was weeks away from celebrating his eldest daughter’s third birthday.
A week later, spearfisherman Michael Jensz, 39, was also killed while diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland.
The last fatal attack off Albany was in December 2014, when a local was fatally bitten by a shark while spearfishing off Cheynes Beach.
