Overview
- The attack, which occurred on Sunday, May 24, 2026, left a 39‑year‑old man with fatal head injuries after companions pulled him from the water and raced him to the Hull River Heads boat ramp where paramedics could not save him.
- Local media and police identified the victim as Michael Jensz, an experienced spearfisher and father from the Cairns area who was diving with three friends at the submerged Kennedy Shoal reef.
- The species responsible has not been confirmed; scientists have named bull and tiger sharks as possible candidates while nearby fishers reported multiple bull sharks operating around fishing activity that day.
- The death prompted temporary beach closures and a public policy clash with MP Bob Katter calling for culling powers while scientists, the RSPCA and conservation groups urged evidence‑based, non‑lethal responses and more research.
- The attack is the third deadly shark incident in Australia this year and highlights the higher risk of severe injury during remote spearfishing trips, limited data on shark populations and the need for better prevention and emergency planning.