Spearfisher Fatally Attacked by Shark on Great Barrier Reef

A 39-year-old man from Cairns was fatally attacked by a shark while spearfishing with friends at Kennedy Shoal, a reef south of Cairns, Queensland. The incident occurred on Sunday, marking Australia's second fatal shark attack in just over a week. The victim sustained a critical head injury and was declared dead upon arrival at Hull Heads, despite paramedics' efforts.

Police Inspector Elaine Burns stated that the man had been spearfishing when he was attacked. The species of shark involved remains unidentified, though bull sharks have been reported in the area previously.

This incident follows the death of 38-year-old spearfisher Steve Mattabonni on May 16, who was fatally mauled by a suspected five-meter white shark near Rottnest Island, Western Australia.

Australia has averaged more than three fatal shark attacks annually in recent decades. The latest death is Australia's third shark fatality for 2026.