Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
In this image made from aerial video, a shark swims along the coast of Kingscliff, New South Wales. ABC/CH7/CH9 via AP
kingscliff
Surfer killed in shark attack off eastern coast of Australia
The incident happened at a popular beach around 100 kilometres south of Brisbane.
A SURFER HAS died after being attacked by a three-metre shark at a popular beach off Australia’s east coast, police said today.
The man was surfing at Kingscliff, about 100 kilometres south of Brisbane, this morning when the shark mauled his leg.
“Police have been told several board-riders came to his assistance and fought the shark off before the injured man could be helped to shore,” police said in a statement.
“He was rendered first aid for serious injuries to his left leg but died at the scene.”
Police said the man had not yet been formally identified but was believed to be a 60-year-old from Queensland state.
His death is the third known fatal shark attack in Australia this year.
Australia has one of the world’s highest incidences of shark attacks, but fatalities remain rare.
There were 27 attacks but no deaths off Australia last year, according to data from Sydney’s Taronga Zoo.
have your say