Family devastated after Daniel Turpin killed in shark attack off coast of Albany, Western Australia

A man killed in a shark attack off Western Australia has been remembered for his “lifelong love and respect for the ocean”.

Daniel Turpin, 35, was spearfishing with family off Michaelmas Island when he was attacked about 10m from shore about 11.30am local time on Saturday.

He was brought back to shore by boat and treated by paramedics, but could not be saved.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said the man was bitten by a 4.5m shark.

Turpin’s family said they were devastated by the “tragic loss” and are still “coming to terms with what has happened”.

“Daniel was an adored husband, son, brother and uncle who had a lifelong love and deep respect for the ocean,” the family said in a statement. 

“Daniel brought enormous joy to the lives of those who knew and loved him, and he will be deeply missed.

“We would like to thank the emergency services personnel and all those who have offered their support and compassion during this incredibly difficult time.”

Locals have been left rattled by the incident.

“It’s pretty shocking really, very sad when anything like that happens and it’s a big reminder of safety first in the water,” one said.

“It’s pretty scary, pretty shocking, pretty sad,” said another.

It is the third shark attack in Australia in a month after experienced spearfisherman Michael Jensz was killed while diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland on May 24.

That incident came eight days after father-of-two Steven Mattaboni was bitten on the lower legs by a great white shark off Western Australia’s Rottnest Island, also while spearfishing. The 38-year-old could not be saved.

Mattaboni’s family said the much-loved husband’s final dive was something he had done thousands of times before, with “no signs of danger” before the attack.

The last attack in Albany was in 2014 when Jay Muscat was killed off Cheyne’s Beach with the 17-year-old local also spearfishing.