A man has died after being attacked by a shark off the north-east coast of Australia, authorities confirmed on Monday. The incident occurred near the popular tourist destination of the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 3pm local time following reports of a serious shark bite.
The victim, believed to be in his 20s, sustained catastrophic injuries and died before medical assistance could arrive. Local authorities have closed the surrounding beaches and deployed drones to survey the area for shark activity. The attack marks the second fatal shark encounter in Australian waters this year, following a death in Western Australia in January.
Queensland’s Shark Control Program, which relies on nets and drum lines, has faced renewed scrutiny from environmental groups who argue for non-lethal alternatives. The state government has reiterated its commitment to public safety while reviewing the effectiveness of current measures.
