Overview
- A 39-year-old spearfisher was attacked at Kennedy Shoal and died after being pulled ashore to the Hull River Heads boat ramp on Sunday.
- Queensland Police said the death is being treated as non-suspicious and a report has been prepared for the state coroner.
- The species involved has not been confirmed; Bond University experts and local fishers pointed to bull or tiger sharks and charter operators reported multiple bull sharks in the area.
- The incident is the second fatal shark encounter in Australia in just over a week and one of three shark fatalities recorded in the country so far in 2026.
- Local charter operators and federal MP Bob Katter have demanded changes to shark controls and the case is expected to intensify reviews of safety measures for spearfishing and reef users.