Fatal shark attack occurs in Queensland, Australia

A 39-year-old spear fisherman from Cairns died on Sunday following a shark attack at Kennedy Shoal, located south of Cairns near the Great Barrier Reef. The victim was diving with three companions when he suffered fatal head injuries. He was transported by boat to the coastal community of Hull Heads, where paramedics declared him dead upon arrival. Queensland police inspector Elaine Burns confirmed the details, noting the harrowing experience for witnesses. This incident marks the third fatal shark attack in Australia in 2026. Authorities noted that bull sharks had been sighted in the area in recent days, though the species responsible for this specific attack has not been officially confirmed. The death follows a separate fatal encounter involving a 38-year-old fisherman named Steve Mattabonni near Rottnest Island in Western Australia, which was suspected to have involved a five-meter great white shark.