A man has been killed in a shark attack off the coast of north-east Australia, local authorities confirm. The incident occurred near the popular tourist destination of the Whitsunday Islands, approximately 900 kilometres north of Brisbane. Queensland Ambulance Service reported that emergency crews were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call this morning. The victim, a 40-year-old local resident, was pronounced dead shortly after being brought ashore.
According to witnesses, the attack took place in shallow water. The species of shark involved has yet to be identified, though tiger and bull sharks are common in the region. This is the second fatal shark attack in Australian waters this year; the first occurred in Western Australia in January.
Local authorities have closed beaches within a 10-kilometre radius of the attack site. The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has commenced an investigation. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a marine biologist at James Cook University, expressed alarm but noted the rarity of such events. “Fatal shark attacks are statistically negligible. However, each incident triggers a disproportionate public reaction. We must manage our response without undermining conservation efforts,” she said.
The Australian Shark Attack File records an average of one fatal attack per year, with populations of great white, tiger, and bull sharks being the primary vectors. Scientists attribute an increase in reported encounters to coastal population growth and improved water sports monitoring, rather than a rise in shark aggression. Climate shifts may also affect prey distributions, bringing sharks closer to shore. Dr. Johnson emphasised that East Australian waters remain safe for swimming compared to global averages.
The victim’s family has been notified. Police will prepare a report for the coroner. This story is developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
