Shark Attack In Australia Kills Man While Spearfishing, Fourth Death In 2020

A 36-year-old man died after being attacked by a shark on the east coast of Australia Saturday afternoon, local police confirmed.

The attack happened around 2 p.m. local time off the waters of Indian Head, on the eastern side of Fraser Island in Queensland. According to reports, the man whose identity has yet to be revealed by authorities was spearfishing when a shark bit him around his legs.

A doctor and nurse at the scene provided first aid before paramedics arrived via a helicopter, Fox News reported. First responders provided emergency treatment but could not save his life. The man died two hours after he was bitten, at around 4:30 p.m.

In a Facebook post, Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour sent his condolences to the victim’s family and friends. He also called it a “tremendously sad day.”

“This is a tremendously sad day for our community. Our deepest condolences go to this young man’s family and friends. The loss of a young life with his future before him is a tragedy beyond words and we share their sadness and grief,” he wrote.

This is the second dead by a shark attack in Australia in just one month. In early June, 60-year-old Rob Pedretti also succumbed to his injuries after a 10-foot great white shark attacked him at Salt Beach in Kingscliffe, north of New South Wales.

In April, another surfer died not too far from where Saturday’s incident happened. Queensland wildlife ranger Zachary Robba was also attacked by a great white near Indian Head. The 23-year-old also died.

According to the Australian Institute of Marine Science, every year an average of 10 people die from shark attacks around the globe. As for Australia, however, this marks the fourth dead this year.