A man has died after being attacked by a shark while fishing on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The 39-year-old had reportedly been swimming near a boat ramp on the Cassowary Coast, between the cities of Cairns and Townsville, just before midday on Sunday when he was attacked.
Queensland Police said they retrieved the man from the water but he died from his injuries.
“Emergency services were called to Hull River Heads boat ramp just before 12pm, following reports a man had been attacked by a shark while out at Kennedy Shoal,” a spokesperson said.
“The man was retrieved from the water and died from his injuries.
File photo of the Great Barrier Reef
AFP via Getty Images
“As the matter is before the coroner, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” the force added.
Bull sharks and tiger sharks are reported to be common along the Great Barrier Reef
Last Saturday, a 38-year-old man was killed by a shark while spearfishing near Perth, in Western Australia.
The man had been bitten on the lower legs and could not be revived.
Queensland Police has given few details of the latest incident.
