Warning issued after man bitten by 1m wobbegong shark at Yallingup, WA days after fatal attack on surfer

A shark warning has been issued for a popular Western Australian beach after a swimmer was bit by a 1m wobbegong – just days after a fatal attack on a surfer near Esperance.

The incident happened about 6.45am at The Lagoon in Yallingup, about 260km south of Perth, on Friday.

The state’s SmarkSmart website warns swimmers to “take additional caution” in the Yallingup area.

“Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA,” the alert states.

“Use your sea sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app.”

Ambulance service St John WA confirmed with NewsWire it was not called to the incident.

The Yallingup bite comes just days after surfer Steven Payne lost his life to a shark attack at Wharton Beach in Esperance, about 780km southeast of Perth.

Mr Payne, 37, was surfing at the remote spot on Monday when he was attacked by what is believed to be a Great White.

His family paid tribute to him in a heartfelt statement from Wednesday, remembering him as a “gentle giant”.

“Steven Payne was a beloved partner, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend,” the family said.

“Just a week ago Steve surfed one of the best waves of his life, sharing the wave with a dolphin. He was stoked.”

Mr Payne’s partner witnessed the horrific incident.

The police called off their search for Mr Payne’s body on Wednesday afternoon.