MELBOURNE, Australia —
Recently, the Great Barrier Reef witnessed a tragic event as a spearfisher was attacked by a shark. This marks the second fatal shark attack in Australia within just over a week, highlighting the dangers that can accompany water activities in such environments.
The victim, a 39-year-old man, was diving with three friends at Kennedy Shoal, located off the Queensland state coast near Cairns, when the incident occurred, according to Police Inspector Elaine Burns.
“The man had been spearfishing when he was attacked and died from a critical head injury,” Burns informed reporters.
The Cairns resident was transported by boat around noon to the nearby tourist town of Hull Heads, where paramedics were present. Unfortunately, he had “sustained injuries not compatible with life,” as stated by the ambulance service.
Kennedy Shoal, a shallow coral reef, is popular among recreational fishers and divers, particularly those interested in the Lady Bowen, a 19th-century shipwreck.
Following the incident, fishers reported that bull sharks had been sighted in the vicinity prior to the attack.
This incident follows the fatal mauling of spearfisher Steve Mattabonni on May 16 at a coral reef off Rottnest Island, located near the southwest coast of Western Australia.
The 38-year-old Perth resident was taken by boat to the holiday island, but paramedics were unable to revive him.
A five-meter (16-foot) white shark is suspected in that incident.
Historically, Australia has experienced an average of over three fatal shark attacks annually in recent decades. The latest incident brings the total number of shark fatalities in the country to three for the year 2026.
In January, 12-year-old Nico Antic tragically died in a hospital days after being attacked by a suspected bull shark off a beach in Sydney.
Key Takeaways
- A spearfisher was fatally injured by a shark at Kennedy Shoal near Cairns.
- The victim, a 39-year-old local resident, was diving with friends at the time of the attack.
- Paramedics were unable to revive him due to critical injuries.
- Previous shark sightings in the area raised concerns prior to the incident.
- Shark attacks in Australia have remained a serious and concerning event, with three fatalities reported so far in 2026.
FAQ
What happened to the spearfisher?
The spearfisher was attacked by a shark while diving, sustaining critical injuries that led to his death.
Where did the attack occur?
The shark attack took place at Kennedy Shoal, a shallow coral reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
What type of shark is believed to be responsible?
A five-meter (16-foot) white shark is suspected in the previous shark attack at Rottnest Island, though the specific species involved in the latest incident is not confirmed.
How many shark attacks occur in Australia each year?
On average, Australia has experienced more than three fatal shark attacks annually in recent decades.
Who else has been affected this year?
In January, a 12-year-old boy named Nico Antic died following a shark attack off a beach in Sydney.
Despite these tragic incidents, awareness and caution are essential when engaging in aquatic activities.
