A man has died after being mauled by a great white shark at a popular holiday island.

The 38-year-old man was attacked at Horseshoe Reef near Geordie Bay at Rottnest Island, Western Australia, about 10am on Saturday, sparking a frantic emergency response.

The man was transported by boat to shore at the bay on the north side of the island where he was met by St John Ambulance paramedics.

First responders desperately tried to revive the swimmer but he sadly died.

A rescue helicopter arrived at the island, 19km off the coast of Fremantle, in case the man needed to be evacuated to hospital on the mainland.

A five-metre great white shark was spotted 80 metres offshore about the time of the attack, according to Surf Life Saving WA.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development urged people to take extra caution in the Geordie Bay area.

‘Take additional caution in the Geordie Bay, Rottnest Island area,’ DPIRD said.

The attack happened at Rottnest Island, near Perth, about 10am on Saturday (the scene is pictured)
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The attack happened at Rottnest Island, near Perth, about 10am on Saturday (the scene is pictured)

An ambulance, a police car and a stretcher are seen at the scene of the fatal mauling
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An ambulance, a police car and a stretcher are seen at the scene of the fatal mauling

The incident happened at Rottnest Island, about 10am on Saturday (stock image)
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The incident happened at Rottnest Island, about 10am on Saturday (stock image)

Beach-goers were asked to report any shark sightings to authorities.

Rottnest Island, which is 11km long and 4.5km wide, is a popular tourist destination.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.