The devastating story of Steven Jeffrey Payne, a 37-year-old surfer who lost his life to a great white shark off the coast of Western Australia, has left many questions unanswered.
An inquest into the tragedy has revealed some shocking details about the events leading up to the attack.
A Gentle Giant Lost to the Sea
Payne was described as a “gentle giant” by his loved ones, and his partner, Catherine, was with him on the fateful day.
The couple had been on a six-month caravan trip, exploring the beautiful beaches of Western Australia. On the day of the attack, they arrived at Wharton Beach, 93 kilometers east of Esperance, eager to hit the waves.
A Critical Decision: No Shark Deterrent Device
In a surprising turn of events, it was revealed that Payne had chosen not to wear his shark deterrent device before entering the water.
This decision would ultimately prove to be a fatal one.
The inquest heard that Payne and his partner had discussed wearing the devices earlier, but had decided against it, thinking it was safe to surf without them after leaving South Australian waters.
The Attack: A Witness’s Harrowing Account
Catherine, who was on the beach at the time of the attack, witnessed the horrific scene unfold. She saw a “commotion” in the water and realized that her partner was being attacked by a shark.
The incident happened so quickly that she knew immediately that Steven was gone. A tourist’s drone captured part of the attack, showing the shark dragging Payne down, never to resurface.
The Aftermath: A Recovery Mission
The police and emergency services responded promptly, but it soon became clear that it was a “recovery mission” rather than a rescue.
The risk of further shark attacks was deemed too high, and divers were not deployed. A multi-agency search was conducted, but it was eventually suspended after two days.
A Community in Mourning
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for stronger action from the Western Australian government to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The inquest has highlighted the importance of shark deterrent devices and the need for increased awareness about the risks of shark attacks in certain areas.
Lessons Learned: A Lasting Legacy
Deputy Coroner Sarah Linton has stated that she is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Steven Jeffrey Payne is deceased, and it’s a “horrific way to lose someone.”
The inquest’s findings will likely have significant implications for shark safety measures in Western Australia.
As we remember Steven, we must also learn from this tragic event and take steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.