A man has been killed in a shark attack off the coast of Queensland in north-eastern Australia, according to local police authorities.
Emergency services responded to reports of the incident near the Cassowary Coast, between the cities of Cairns and Townsville, shortly before noon on Sunday. Police said the 39-year-old man was swimming near a nearby shoal when he was attacked by the shark.
The victim was pulled from the water by rescuers, but later died from his injuries.
Queensland Police have not released the identity of the victim or further details about the injuries sustained in the attack. Authorities said the death is being treated as “sudden and non-suspicious,” and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
“As the matter is before the coroner, it would be inappropriate to comment further,” police said in a statement.
The incident marks the second fatal shark attack in Australian waters within two weeks. Last Saturday, a 38-year-old man died after being attacked while spearfishing near Perth in Western Australia. He reportedly suffered severe injuries to his lower legs and could not be revived.
Shark encounters are relatively common in Australia compared to many other countries, although fatal attacks remain rare. According to the Australian Shark-Incident Database, four shark incidents were recorded across the country in January, with only one resulting in death.