SYDNEY, Dec 29, (V7N) – A 40-year-old man has died after being attacked by a shark while fishing with his family near Humpy Island, in the Great Barrier Reef's Keppel Bay Islands National Park, Queensland authorities confirmed.

The attack occurred on Saturday afternoon when the man was fishing in the waters near the island.

Queensland police stated, "The man was fishing with family members when he was bitten by a shark," sustaining life-threatening injuries. Despite attempts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries approximately 90 minutes after the attack.

An ambulance spokeswoman revealed the man suffered a "significant life-threatening wound to his neck" and died at the scene.

Authorities have not confirmed if the victim was spearfishing at the time of the attack.

Humpy Island, a popular spot for camping, diving, and snorkeling, is part of the Great Barrier Reef, known for its diverse marine life. The area, however, is also home to species of sharks, including white sharks, bull sharks, and tiger sharks, which are responsible for most shark-related incidents in Australia.

Since 1791, Australia has recorded over 1,200 shark encounters, with more than 250 resulting in fatalities, according to a national database. The last fatal shark attack in the country occurred in December 2023, when a suspected great white shark killed a 15-year-old boy in South Australia.

A report will be prepared for the coroner, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

While shark incidents remain rare, experts emphasize the importance of exercising caution in Australian waters, especially in areas with known shark activity.

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