A 39-year-old man has died after being attacked by a shark near Hull Heads in Far North Queensland. Emergency services were called to the Hull River boat ramp, 160 kilometres south of Cairns, just after 12pm following reports of a shark attack.
Police believe the man was spearfishing from a private boat at Kennedy Shoal, a reef site, when the attack occurred. Another person in the water with him retrieved the victim, who had sustained a critical head injury. Police said that person witnessed the incident unfold and was 'pretty close' to the attack.
All four passengers on the private vessel, including the deceased man, have been returned to shore. Inspector Elaine Burns described the incident as 'tragic' and said police were providing support to the men and their families.
The species of shark involved is unknown at this stage. The Department of Environment and Science will be involved in the investigation. A report is being prepared for the coroner.
This is the second fatal shark attack in Australian waters in as many weeks, following the death of a 38-year-old Perth man off Rottnest Island on May 16.
