UPDATE: The coroner has released urgent findings regarding the tragic shark attack that claimed the life of surfer Steve Payne near Esperance, Western Australia, on March 10, 2023. The shocking details reveal that Payne, 37, was likely unaware of the true dangers posed by sharks in the region.
In a devastating analysis delivered on Friday, Coroner Sarah Linton confirmed that Payne was attacked by a 3-metre great white shark while surfing at Wharton Beach. Just five weeks into his six-month holiday around Australia, Payne was further out in the water than his companions when the attack occurred.
Witnesses revealed harrowing details from the scene. A drone operated by a tourist unintentionally captured footage of the attack, showing the shark approaching from behind. The chilling video depicts the moment when Payne was pulled under the water, resulting in “blood-stained water” around him.
Coroner Linton recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the attack. “Steve was sitting on his board a bit further out in the deeper water than the other two men,” she stated. “The water was crystal clear but none of them saw the shark approach.” The two other surfers realized the danger only when they noticed splashing nearby, leading them to see the large shark attacking Payne.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying. “They realized immediately that Steve was in trouble,” Linton noted. “He didn’t make a sound, even at the start of the attack, and it appeared to them both that he was fatally injured and would have been deceased in seconds.”
The coroner has emphasized the importance of awareness regarding the presence of sharks in Australian waters, particularly in areas like Esperance known for their marine life. The footage viewed by Linton also showed the aftermath of the attack, adding to the emotional weight of the incident.
Following the coroner’s findings, police have been gathering further testimonies from the surfers who witnessed the attack. “The surfer on the rocks observed the shark doing figure eights around Steve,” Linton reported, indicating a disturbing behavior pattern that deserves attention from local authorities.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging surfers and beachgoers to remain vigilant and informed about the risks associated with swimming in the ocean. The tragic loss of Steve Payne serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that lurk beneath the surface.
The local community and Payne’s family are mourning the loss of a beloved surfer, and this incident has ignited discussions about beach safety and shark awareness. Authorities are expected to implement measures to enhance safety for ocean enthusiasts in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities work to address the implications of the coroner’s findings and ensure the safety of beachgoers in Esperance.
