A man has died after he was bitten by a shark off the coast of Albany on Saturday morning.

A male diver was bitten by a suspected 4.5 metre shark just before 11.30am on Saturday at Michaelmas Island off Albany.

WA Police said the 35-year-old man was spearfishing with family off the island when he was attacked by a shark.

He was rushed by boat to the Albany marina, almost a 13km journey, where he was met by St John WA paramedics.

Sadly, he was unable to be revived.

Emergency services rushed to the scene after the incident was reported around 11.20am.

Local sea rescue crews locked down Albany marina.

A Frankland River fisherman arrived at the marina just before midday to find emergency services swarming the carpark and preparing to shut the boat ramp to the public. “We arrived just before 12pm and it wasn’t quite shut yet, I think it had all kind of just happened,” he said. “We saw someone get taken away in an ambulance, and then pretty much just shut the boat ramp for anyone who wants to put the boat in the water. “There were a fair few people wanting to get their boats in, and they did end up opening that lane to that people would take their boats out of the water, but we’ve just been waiting around since then.”

Albany residents Archie and Julian Smith were out fishing for whiting in the same area where the attack occurred.

“It’s pretty scary, pretty shocking, and sad,” Archie Smith said.

“We do a lot of fishing in Albany, never really see any [sharks].

“We’ve only just caught a few small ones here and there, but nothing big or anything like that, no great whites.

“Obviously, it’s never good but it just shows that there’s always sharks around and it’s a big reminder to be careful.”

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development were assisting emergency services with the shark attack.

WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

People in the area have been urged to to take additional caution in the Michaelmas Island area and adhere to beach closures.

Shark Smart alerts show the suspected shark was reported near Michaelmas Island around 11.25am.

Premier Roger Cook offered his condolences to the family but wouldn’t be drawn on whether the State Government would revisit laws to protect swimmers.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of this morning’s fatal shark attack in Albany,” he said.

“This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, as well as the first responders.

“I know members of the local community will wrap their arms around them, and I urge those who are impacted to reach out for support.”

Opposition leader Basil Zempilas also offered his condolences to the Albany family.

“My most sincere condolences to the victim’s loved ones and acquaintances, this is a most difficult time,” he said.

“Two tragic deaths like this in three weeks requires a response from the government.

“They will have the data and scientific information the broader community does not, the public have a right to know what it tells us.”

It the second shark attack fatality in just three weeks after Steven Mattaboni was killed by a shark while spearfishing at Horseshoe Reef off Rottnest Island on May 16.

The experienced diver had been only 20m from one of the two boats, that he and his friends had taken out to the reef, when he was fatally bitten on his legs.

His friends dragged the 38-year-old into a boat and rushed him to the Geordie Bay jetty, but waiting paramedics were unable to save him.

The last fatal shark attack near Albany was local Jay Muscat, who died on December 29, 2014, after he was bitten by a shark while spearfishing off Cheynes Beach, about 65 kilometres east of the regional city.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.