Beaches reopen two days after fatal shark attack

Beaches along the Swan River in Western Australia are reopening just two days after a teenager was killed by a shark.

Beaches on the waterway where a teenager was killed in a shark attack just days ago are reopening.

Stella Berry, 16, died on Saturday afternoon after being attacked by what’s believed to have been a bull shark in the Swan River at North Fremantle.

Surrounding beaches were closed in the aftermath of the attack, and remained closed on Sunday, but will reopen on Monday afternoon.

The devastated parents of Stella Berry have released photos of their daughter, along with a statement.

She’s been described as adventurous, caring, inquisitive and inclusive.

A City of Fremantle spokesperson said the beaches would be open again from 3.30pm (WST), about 48 hours since Saturday’s fatal mauling.

DPIRD Fisheries officers are currently involved in assisting WA Police with a shark incident at Swan River at North Fremantle. See more: https://t.co/aUil1dTDA2

— Surf Life Saving WA (@SLSWA) February 4, 2023

It comes as water patrols, conducted by WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), wrapped up on Sunday night.

“Water-based patrols have now concluded; however, officers will continue to cover the incident area in their land-based patrols,” a DPIRD spokesperson said.

“The situation will continue to be closely monitored, and warnings will be issued via the Shark Smart website and app and updated if there is new information.”

Meanwhile, Stella’s high school principal has penned an emotional tribute to the year 11 student.

“She came to us with a clear sense of what she wanted from the school and an impressive sense of conviction about where she was at in her life and what she hoped to achieve,” Shenton Collage principal Michael Morgan wrote.

Stella had only been a student at Shenton College since 2022.

“In her short time here at Shenton College, Stella has given embodiment to her name – for Stella, like her name, was a star,” wrote Mr Morgan.

“I do hope I also have the right to acknowledge those wonderful personal attributes of Stella: Resilient, Artistic, Adventurous, Compassionate, Caring, Inquisitive, Inclusive and Tolerant.

“We pass on our sincerest condolences to Sophie, Matt and Mae to whom she was a loving daughter and sister, and we will try and continue to live out the values that Stella showed us.

“That is how Shenton will pay tribute to this shining light,” concluded Mr Morgan on the college’s Facebook page.

Floral tributes and messages of support have also been left on the beach near where Stella was attacked.