MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A tragic incident occurred on Sunday at the Great Barrier Reef, where a spearfisher was fatally mauled by a shark, marking Australia's second deadly shark attack in just over a week. The victim, a 39-year-old man from Cairns, was diving with three friends at Kennedy Shoal, a well-known location off the Queensland coast, south of Cairns, when the attack happened.
According to Police Inspector Elaine Burns, the spearfisher was engaged in his activity when the shark struck, resulting in a critical head injury that led to his death. Despite immediate efforts to rescue him, he was brought by boat around noon to the nearby tourist town of Hull Heads where paramedics were awaiting his arrival. Unfortunately, emergency responders declared that he had "sustained injuries not compatible with life," as stated by the ambulance service.
Kennedy Shoal is recognized for its shallow coral reefs, making it a popular spot for recreational fishers. The area attracts divers due to its proximity to the Lady Bowen, a historic shipwreck from the 19th century. Prior to the attack, reports indicated that bull sharks had been spotted in the vicinity, raising concerns regarding safety in the waters.
This incident follows another tragic shark attack on May 16, where a spearfisher named Steve Mattabonni was killed at a coral reef off Rottnest Island in Western Australia. A 38-year-old resident of Perth, Mattabonni was also transported by boat to the holiday island, where emergency personnel were unable to revive him. It was suspected that a five-meter (16-foot) white shark was responsible for the fatal attack.
Shark attacks are not uncommon in Australia, which has recorded an average of more than three fatal incidents per year over the past few decades. This latest attack on the Cairns spearfisher marks Australia's third shark-related fatality in 2026. Earlier this year, on January 18, 12-year-old Nico Antic succumbed to his injuries in a hospital after being attacked by a suspected bull shark off a beach in Sydney.
These events spotlights ongoing concerns for water sports enthusiasts regarding the presence of sharks along Australia's renowned coastlines. With the trend of shark encounters increasing, authorities emphasize the need for awareness and safety precautions when engaging in water activities. The community's response to such tragedies often revolves around calls for greater measures to ensure the safety of those who venture into the ocean.
