Second Fatal Shark Attack in a Week Strikes Queensland, Australia
A 39-year-old man was killed by a shark while spearfishing at Kennedy Shoal on the Great Barrier Reef, south of Cairns, Queensland, on May 24, 2026. This marks Australia’s second fatal shark attack in just over a week, following the death of a spearfisher near Rottnest Island, Western Australia, on May 16. The victim suffered a fatal head injury and was declared dead after being brought ashore. Authorities suspect a bull shark, though the species remains unconfirmed. Beaches in the area were closed as a precaution.
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Shark attack kills man at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in second fatality in two weeks
A 39-year-old man died after a shark attack off the northeast coast of Australia at Kennedy Shoal, a shallow reef near Tully, Queensland, on Sunday. Emergency services retrieved him from the water in critical condition, but he died shortly after meeting an ambulance. The attack is the second fatal shark incident in Australia in two weeks, following the death of 38-year-old Steven Mattaboni, who was killed by a 4-metre white shark while spearfishing near Rottnest Island, Western Australia, on May 16. The type of shark in the latest attack has not been confirmed, though bull and tiger sharks are common in the Great Barrier Reef area. Beaches in the region have been closed as authorities assess safety conditions. Shark attacks in Australia average about 20 per year, with fewer than three fatal, according to conservationists.
The Independent WorldShark kills spearfisher on Great Barrier Reef in Australia's second fatal attack in a week
A 39-year-old man spearfishing with friends at Kennedy Shoal on the Great Barrier Reef was killed by a shark on Sunday, May 24, 2026, marking Australia's second fatal shark attack in just over a week. The victim, a Cairns resident, suffered a critical head injury and was pronounced dead after being brought to the tourist town of Hull Heads. Witnesses, including a friend who pulled him from the water, were described as traumatized. The shark species is unknown, but bull sharks had been reported in the area. This is Australia's third shark fatality in 2026, following the death of a 12-year-old boy in January and spearfisher Steve Mattabonni near Rottnest Island a week earlier. Scientists suggest rising ocean temperatures and crowded waters may be influencing shark migratory patterns and contributing to an increase in attacks.
Home - CBSNews.comSecond Shark Attack in a Week Claims Life of Spearfisher in Queensland
A 39-year-old man died after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing with three friends near Hull Heads, approximately 100 miles south of Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The incident occurred around midday Sunday at the popular reef site Kennedy Shoal. At least two men were in the water when the shark attacked one of them. The victim was pulled from the water by a friend who was right next to him during the attack. Emergency services declared him dead around 1 p.m. local time. Police Inspector Elaine Burns noted the witnesses were likely traumatized. This marks the second fatal shark attack in Australia within a week, following a death near Rottnest Island on May 16. A 12-year-old boy also died in a shark attack off the New South Wales coast in January. Authorities report a higher than average number of shark attacks along Australia's coastline so far this year.
The Daily Beast Latest ArticlesMan killed in shark attack off Australia's north-east coast
A 39-year-old man was fatally attacked by a shark while spearfishing off the Cassowary Coast in Queensland, Australia, on Sunday. Emergency services responded to a boat ramp near Kennedy Shoal, about 45 km offshore, just before noon. The man was retrieved from the water by a companion but died from a critical head injury. He was declared dead about an hour later upon reaching shore. Queensland Police confirmed the death is non-suspicious and will prepare a report for the coroner. This marks the second fatal shark attack in Australian waters in two weeks, following a similar incident near Perth. The victim's identity has not been released.
BBC NewsShark attack kills fisherman on Great Barrier Reef
A 39-year-old man has died after being attacked by a shark while fishing on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The incident occurred near a boat ramp on the Cassowary Coast, between Cairns and Townsville, just before midday on Sunday. Queensland Police retrieved the man from the water, but he died from his injuries. Bull sharks and tiger sharks are common in the area. This marks the second fatal shark attack in Australia in as many weeks, following a spearfisherman's death near Perth, Western Australia, last Saturday. Police have referred the matter to the coroner and provided few additional details.
The StandardMan dies in shark attack off Australia’s coast, second fatal incident in a week
A 39-year-old man died in a shark attack while spearfishing at Kennedy Shoal, south of Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, on Sunday. He was diving with three friends and suffered a fatal head injury before rescuers could bring him ashore. This is the second fatal shark attack in Australia in little over a week, following the death of 38-year-old Steve Mattabonni near Rottnest Island in Western Australia on May 16. Authorities suspect a bull shark in the latest attack, while a five-metre white shark was suspected in the earlier incident. Australia averages more than three shark-related deaths per year. The article also notes a previous fatal attack in January on a 12-year-old boy off a Sydney beach.
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