A man has died after a shark attack off the Cassowary Coast in Queensland in north-eastern Australia, police have confirmed. Emergency services were called shortly before midday local time on May 24 to a boat ramp between Cairns and Townsville following reports that a 39-year-old had been attacked while spearfishing near an offshore reef.
Queensland Police said the man was retrieved from the water but later died from his injuries. The incident marks the second fatal shark attack in Australian waters this month, following the death of a 38-year-old spearfisher near Perth, Western Australia, who was bitten on the lower legs and could not be revived.
Sharks are wild and unpredictable creatures. But while they are deadly predators, attacks on humans are rare. Still, it is important to remain vigilant when visiting beaches known for shark activity.
Curious about the most shark-infested beaches and their history of shark attacks? Click through this informative gallery to learn more.