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.