Authorities suspend rare catch-and-kill order for Sorrento Beach shark that mauled Perth dad Greg O’Neil

Authorities have called off the rare catch-and-kill order for a shark that killed a Perth dad at Sorrento Beach.

Greg James O’Neill was attacked by a great white shark on Friday, with the 63-year-old’s body still to be recovered.

In response to the tragedy — WA’s third fatal shark attack in just four months — Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis issued an extremely rare catch-and-kill order on the shark, with a search operation launched over the course of the weekend.

But a spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed on Monday morning that the operation had concluded without success.

“DPIRD has determined that it will not continue to deploy shark capture gear off Sorrento Beach and has concluded the operation,” the spokesperson said.

“There was no evidence of white shark activity in the area yesterday and a significantly diminished chance of catching the individual shark involved in the fatal incident on Friday.”

The department also confirmed that on-water and land-based patrols had concluded, with beaches in the City of Joondalup from Marmion to Iluka, having reopened as of 10am.

Meanwhile, the Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) helicopter has commenced daily patrols from Monday morning, with the department “recommending additional caution at Sorrento Beach and the surrounding area.”

The cancellation of the catch-and-kill order comes less than one day after Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti defended the lethal order from public outrage.

“This is an exceptional circumstance in relation to the location of this horrific tragedy, so close to a metropolitan beach,” she said on Sunday afternoon.

“These are always tough decisions but it’s the right decision in this circumstance.”

Extending her condolences to Mr O’Neill’s family, the Deputy Premier revealed she had spoken to Mr Doherty to offer the government’s full support to the shattered club.

“We know that this is a terrible time for the community around that club,” she said. “This affects so many people that were on that beach and experienced this horrific incident.”

In a statement released on Saturday, the O’Neill family said they had been left “deeply shocked” by the horrifying attack.

“Our family is. . . devastated by the terrible tragedy that took the life of father, grandfather to be, brother, uncle, husband and friend,” the statement said.

“He was a generous, devoted family man that gave his children so much love, care and opportunity. Greg loved the ocean and was known as a passionate swimmer, sports lover, dedicated worker and an all round generous, witty guy.”

The O’Neill family thanked the community for their “kind thoughts and support”, saying every tribute to Mr O’Neill was “deeply appreciated”.