Second Fatal Shark Attack in Australia in a Week at Great Barrier Reef

Spearfisher Killed Off Queensland Coast

A 39-year-old man has died after being attacked by a shark at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, marking the country's second fatal shark attack in just over a week. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 24, 2026, near Kennedy Shoal, a shallow reef approximately 45 kilometers off the coast of Queensland, between Cairns and Townsville.

According to Queensland police, the victim was spearfishing with three friends from a private boat when the attack happened. He suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to the Hull River Heads boat ramp near Tully, where paramedics were waiting. Despite emergency efforts, he died shortly after being brought ashore. The species of shark involved has not yet been confirmed, though bull sharks, tiger sharks, and great white sharks are known to inhabit the area. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

The attack comes just one week after 38-year-old Steven Mattaboni was killed by a great white shark while spearfishing off Rottnest Island near Perth, Western Australia, on May 16. Mattaboni, a father of two young daughters, was bitten on the leg approximately one kilometer offshore. His wife described him as a 'devoted father' and 'fervent fisherman.' A five-meter great white shark was spotted in the same area the following day.

Rare but Rising Incidents

Fatal shark attacks in Australia remain relatively rare but have drawn increased attention in 2026. According to the Australian Shark-Incident Database maintained by the Taronga Conservation Society, there have been approximately 312 fatal shark attacks recorded in Australia since 1791. Over the past decade, an average of 27 shark incidents involving human injury have been reported annually, with an average of 2.7 fatalities per year.

So far in 2026, three people have died from shark attacks in Australian waters. In comparison, five fatalities were recorded in 2025, and four in 2024. However, drowning remains a far greater threat along Australia's coastline: in 2025, 357 people died from drowning, underscoring the relative rarity of shark-related deaths.

The shark attack statistics in Australia show that most incidents involve surfers, swimmers, and spearfishers, with the majority of fatal attacks caused by three species: great white, tiger, and bull sharks.

Cluster of Attacks in January 2026

Earlier this year, Australia experienced an alarming cluster of shark attacks. In January 2026, four bull shark attacks occurred within 48 hours along the New South Wales coast, prompting the closure of dozens of beaches near Sydney. The incidents included a fatal attack on a 12-year-old boy in Sydney Harbour, a critically injured surfer at Manly, and two surfers bitten on their boards at Dee Why Point and Point Plomer.

Experts attributed the spike to heavy rainfall—the heaviest Sydney had seen in a decade—which created murky, brackish water conditions that bull sharks favor. Dr. Christopher Pepin-Neff, a senior lecturer at the University of Sydney, told the ABC that when heavy rain causes sewage overflow into harbors, baitfish are attracted to the nutrients, which in turn draws sharks. He called swimming in such conditions a 'terrible idea.'

Prevention and Technology

In response to the recent attacks, authorities are increasingly deploying technology to improve beach safety. Drone surveillance programs, such as the SharkSmart initiative in Queensland and similar programs in New South Wales, use aerial drones to spot sharks near swimmers and surfers, enabling rapid beach closures when needed. Surf Life Saving New South Wales reports that drones have spotted over 1,000 sharks in coastal waters, allowing for quick alerts.

Personal electronic deterrents, like the Rpela V2, create an electric field that repels sharks by interfering with their electro-sensory systems, reducing bite likelihood by up to 66%. Bite-resistant wetsuits are also being developed to minimize blood loss from bites. However, traditional shark nets remain controversial, as over 90% of marine animals caught in them are non-target species.

The drone shark detection technology has become a key tool for Australian authorities, offering a non-lethal method to monitor waters and protect beachgoers.

Global Context

According to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there were 105 reported shark-human interactions worldwide in 2025, including 65 unprovoked attacks and 12 confirmed fatalities. Australia recorded 21 unprovoked bites and 5 fatalities in 2025, the highest number of any country. The United States recorded 25 unprovoked bites but no fatalities. The five-year global average for fatal shark attacks is approximately 8 per year.

Despite the recent incidents, experts emphasize that shark attacks remain extremely rare. The odds of a fatal shark attack are approximately 1 in 4.3 million, according to ISAF data. Most attacks are believed to result from shark curiosity or mistaken identity rather than predatory behavior toward humans.

The global shark attack trends 2025 indicate that while the number of encounters may fluctuate, the long-term risk to beachgoers remains minimal compared to other water-related dangers.

FAQ: Shark Attacks in Australia

How many fatal shark attacks occur in Australia each year?

On average, there are 2.7 fatal shark attacks per year in Australia, based on the past decade of data from the Australian Shark-Incident Database.

What species of sharks are most dangerous in Australia?

Great white sharks, tiger sharks, and bull sharks are responsible for over 90% of fatal shark attacks in Australian waters.

What should you do if you encounter a shark while swimming?

Stay calm, avoid splashing, maintain eye contact, and slowly back away. If attacked, target the shark's eyes, gills, or snout to deter it.

Are shark attacks increasing in Australia?

The number of recorded shark incidents has increased over the past few decades, likely due to more people entering the water and improved reporting, rather than an increase in shark aggression.

How does Australia prevent shark attacks?

Australia uses a combination of drone surveillance, SMART drumlines, acoustic tagging, shark nets, helicopter patrols, and public education campaigns to reduce shark-human interactions.

Sources

• ABC News - Man dies after shark attack in Far North Queensland
• The Guardian - Shark attack: man dies at Great Barrier Reef
• Associated Press - Spearfisher killed on Great Barrier Reef
• ABC News - Steven Mattaboni identified as Rottnest shark attack victim
• Taronga Conservation Society - Australian Shark-Incident Database
• CNN - Four shark attacks in 48 hours in Australia
• World Animal Foundation - Shark Attack Statistics 2025