Shark Kills Spearfisher on Great Barrier Reef
A spearfisher has died after a shark attack on the Great Barrier Reef. The attack happened at Kennedy Shoal in Queensland, Australia.
Kennedy Shoal is a shallow coral reef popular with recreational fishers. Bull sharks had been seen in the area before the attack.
This was Australia's second fatal shark attack in just over a week. It was also the second fatal shark attack in Australia this month.
The earlier attack happened on May 16. Spearfisher Steve Mattabonni was killed off Rottnest Island in Western Australia.
That attack involved a suspected 5-metre white shark. The Kennedy Shoal death is Australia's third shark fatality of 2026.
Klear Note — The Great Barrier Reef is a large coral reef system off Australia's coast. Bull sharks live in shallow waters and are known to attack humans occasionally.
Key Terms 3
- Great Barrier Reef A huge coral reef system off the coast of Queensland, Australia
- Kennedy Shoal A shallow coral reef area in Queensland popular with fishers
- spearfisher A person who hunts fish underwater using a spear or spear gun