Surfer Steven Payne Presumed Dead After Shark Attack in Western Australia

The 37-year-old's family and community mourn his loss as authorities suspend recovery efforts at Wharton Beach.

Steven Payne, a 37-year-old surfer originally from New Zealand, was attacked by a shark while surfing in chest-deep water at Wharton Beach, Western Australia, on Monday.
Witnesses, including Payne's girlfriend, reported hearing screams before seeing his surfboard floating with visible bite marks; his body has not been recovered.
Payne's family described him as a 'gentle giant' and stated he would not have supported a shark cull, emphasizing his respect for the ocean and its risks.
The attack marks the fourth fatal shark incident off the Esperance coast in eight years, prompting calls for improved shark safety measures and expanded monitoring systems.
Local authorities and community leaders are planning discussions on shark mitigation strategies while allowing time for the community to grieve.