The shark behind a deadly assault in Perth’s swan river was possible a bull shark, in response to Fisheries Minister Don Punch.
On Sunday, Mr Punch stated it was too early to substantiate the species of shark which killed 16-year-old native highschool scholar Stella Berry however stated bull sharks had been identified to be current within the Swan River.
“We do know that bull sharks, particularly, do enter estuaries and freshwater river systems, so it is likely that may be the case,” he informed the ABC.
Mr Punch stated it was the primary deadly assault on the Swan River in 100 years.
Stella, a scholar at Shenton College and the daughter of two highschool academics, was enjoying with pals within the river in North Fremantle, close to the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, on Saturday afternoon when she was attacked.
Emergency providers had been known as to the scene about 3pm, nevertheless, Stella died on the scene.
Friends of {the teenager} have paid tribute after her tragic dying by gathering on the water edge on Sunday, the ABC stories.
Michael Morgan, principal at Shenton College, stated psychologists, scholar assist officers, chaplains, nurses and workers could be obtainable to college students.
“I have personally offered, on behalf of the College, our condolences and support to Stella’s family during this very sad time,” Mr Morgan stated.
The West Australian newspaper reported on Sunday that Ms Berry’s mother and father had been academics at Scotch College and Methodist Ladies’ College respectively, whereas she has a youthful sister who additionally attends Shenton.
Fiona Johnston, principal at St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls, the place Stella was previously a scholar, stated assist could be obtainable for college kids “in the months ahead” if wanted.
“Stella was a popular member of the St Hilda’s community and loved by all,” Ms Johnston stated.
“We have offered our condolences to her family during this very difficult time and will support them in whatever way we can,” she stated.
It is known Stella and her pals has been swinging into the water on a rope when the shark appeared.
Horror screams had been heard from the water earlier than anybody seen the shark.
Witnesses claimed a heroic bystander jumped into the water to save lots of Stella and convey her again to shore.
Paramedics rushed to the scene however she couldn’t be saved.
Fremantle District Acting Inspector Paul Robinson stated on Saturday the sufferer’s pals had been together with her when the “extremely traumatic” assault occurred.
“Unfortunately we have no idea what shark it is,” Inspector Robinson stated.
“From what I’ve been advised her family weren’t there when the attack took place but her friends were.” he stated.
“As you can imagine, this is an extremely traumatic incident for anyone to witness.”
“It’s unusual for a shark to be that far down river … at this point in time an alert has been put out, a shark warning just to let people know the event has taken place.”
The species of the shark is but to be confirmed, nevertheless bull sharks are identified to exist within the Swan River.
The seashores had been closed on Sunday as fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development performed water and land patrols.
Shark assaults are extremely uncommon within the Swan River, which is linked to the Indian Ocean via Fremantle Harbour, though not unprecedented.
In January 2021, Cameron Wrathall survived regardless of being mauled by a bull shark whereas swimming at close by Blackwall Reach.
The solely different recorded deadly shark assault within the Swan River occurred virtually precisely a century in the past, when a younger schoolboy was attacked whereas swimming in neighbouring Peppermint Grove on January 27, 1923.
The location the place the woman was attacked is about 2.5kms from the mouth of the river.
Shark sightings are widespread in WA, however they’ve soared considerably this summer time, with as many as 90 noticed in the midst of one week in January.
Source: www.news.com.au
