The Queensland man killed in a shark attack on the Great Barrier Reef has been identified as a father and experienced spearfisherman. Michael Jensz, 39, was diving with three friends at Kennedy Shoal, a remote reef system approximately 40 kilometres off the Cassowary Coast in far north Queensland, when he was mauled on Sunday morning.
It is understood that Jensz was attempting to retrieve a catch lodged on the reef when the shark attacked. The group issued an SOS call to Queensland's Coast Guard shortly before midday before hauling him back onto the boat and racing towards shore. Paramedics were waiting at the Hull River boat ramp near Cardwell, but the injuries to Jensz were too severe and he tragically could not be saved.
Dangerous Waters for Experienced Divers
Friends and locals said Kennedy Shoal is known for its deep, dark waters and is only suited to experienced divers. While shark attacks in the area are considered rare, boaties from the local area reported seeing bull sharks in the water in the hours before the attack. Authorities have not confirmed the species involved.
Second Spearfishing Death in Two Weeks
The tragedy marks the second shark-related death involving a spearfisherman in just over a week, after 38-year-old Steven Mattaboni was bitten on the leg while diving near Rottnest Island, Western Australia, earlier this month. Australia has now recorded three fatal shark attacks this year, prompting renewed warnings from authorities for people heading offshore to remain vigilant in the water.
Renewed Calls for Shark Cull
The incident has also reignited debate over shark management in Queensland waters, with crossbench MP Bob Katter using the attack to renew calls for a shark cull. During a press conference in Canberra, Katter held up an image of former shark attack victim Glenn Dickson, who lost a leg after an attack near Hinchinbrook Island almost a decade ago.
"The killing of a shark in Queensland is illegal," Katter said. "It would be the only place on earth where the killing of sharks is illegal." Kennedy Shoal sits within a section of the Great Barrier Reef where no shark control equipment is operating.
