A teenager has tragically been killed in a shark attack in Swan River, Perth. Source: Nachoman-au, Wikimedia Commons
A teenager who was killed in a shark attack on Saturday has been recognised as 16-year-old Stella Berry, a student at Shenton college.
WA Police Acting Fremantle District Inspector, Paul Robinson, said that authorities believe the girl was jet skiing with friends in Swan River near Perth when she jumped into the water to swim with a pod of dolphins. Some of her friends witnessed the attack.
“The investigation is still ongoing, it is still very early stages, however all indications by witness accounts is that it appears to be a shark related incident,” Robinson said.
“I’ve spoken to fisheries and water police and unfortunately we have no idea what type of shark it is.”
The teenager was pulled from the water and, despite efforts to revive her, tragically died at the scene.
This incident is the first fatal shark attack in the Swan River in 100 years.
Principle Michael Morgan at Shenton college wrote an email to families on Sunday.
“It is with great sadness, sincere empathy and the deepest regret that I write to inform you that Stella Berry (Year 11) … tragically lost her life on Saturday 4th February in an incident at the river in North Fremantle,” Morgan wrote.
“I have personally offered, on behalf of the college, our condolences and support to Stella’s family during this very sad time.”
Friends and family gathered at the scene on Sunday to lay flowers and pay their respects.
Teagan McCarthur, a friend of Stella, told 9 News Perth: “It doesn’t feel real because we were all in contact with her less than 24 hours ago and now she’s not here.”
Fisheries Minister Don Punch said that authorities were still investigating what species of shark was involved in the incident, but said that it likely swam into the Swan River from the ocean.
“We will do whatever we can in terms of researching what the risks are and what the best way of reducing risk is,” Punch said.
