Sorrento shark attack: Capture gear set as family pays tribute to Greg O’Neill

Shark capture gear has been set 1.5km off Sorrento Beach as authorities continue the hunt for the great white believed to have killed Greg James O’Neill.

The 63-year-old’s family has paid tribute to the “generous, devoted family man” as beaches across Perth’s northern suburbs remain closed following Friday’s fatal attack.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been authorised to set the gear in an attempt to catch the shark involved in the attack.

DPIRD officers will conduct on-water and land-based patrols throughout Sunday, with the City of Joondalup beaches remaining closed from the J210 Marmion BEN sign in the south to the J37 Iluka BEN sign in the north.

Mr O’Neill’s family was left “deeply shocked” by his death, describing him as a passionate swimmer, sports lover, dedicated worker and “all round generous, witty guy”.

“Our family is deeply shocked and devastated by the terrible tragedy that took the life of father, grandfather-to-be, brother, uncle, husband and friend,” the family said.

“He was a generous, devoted family man that gave his children so much love, care and opportunity.

“Greg loved the ocean and was known as a passionate swimmer, sports lover, dedicated worker and an all round generous, witty guy.”

The family thanked the community for its “kind thoughts and support”, saying every tribute to Mr O’Neill was “deeply appreciated”.

Mr O’Neill was swimming with a friend about 15m offshore near Raleigh Road, south of Hillarys Boat Harbour, just after 10am on Friday when he was attacked.

Three St John WA ambulances, WA Police, Water Police and the Surf Life Saving WA Westpac Lifesaver helicopter rushed to the scene under priority-one conditions.

The attack has left the tight-knit coastal community reeling, with locals gathering at Sorrento Beach on Saturday to lay flowers at the site of his death.

Wind whipped the shoreline as lifeguards on buggies shielded members of the O’Neill family — two adults and a child — from growing crowds.

They stood together for some time before quietly leaving the beach by a longer route.