In a turn of events that marine biologists will likely describe as 'nature doing its thing,' a 35-year-old man has died after being bitten by a shark off the coast of Western Australia. Because when you go spearfishing in shark-infested waters, sometimes the ocean decides to fight back.

The state's police force confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the man, who was spearfishing with his family near Michaelmas Island - a delightful spot about 375 kilometres south-east of Perth - had succumbed to his injuries. Paramedics worked on him for over two hours, but even their heroic efforts couldn't undo what a 4.5-metre shark did just before 11:30am AWST.

Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of a possible shark attack. The man was brought to shore by boat, where paramedics met him. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to revive him. The state's department of primary industries confirmed the suspected shark size, likely hoping to reassure the public that it was a very big shark, not just a nibble.

St John Ambulance reported that multiple paramedic crews remained at the scene, treating the man, presumably with the kind of urgency that suggests they knew the odds weren't in his favor. Meanwhile, the department of primary industries has issued a warning for people to exercise extra caution in the Michaelmas Island area and to adhere to any beach closures advised by local park rangers or surf life savers. Because nothing says 'vacation' like a beach closure due to a man-eating shark.

The department said it is working with police and other local authorities to coordinate a response, which likely involves a lot of head-shaking and 'this is why we can't have nice things.' Police will prepare a report for the coroner, which will presumably detail exactly how a day of family fun turned into a tragic encounter with the ocean's apex predator.