A 29-year-old man is recovering in a Brisbane hospital after being bitten by a shark in the waters off Moreton Island.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, shortly after 3pm, near the Wrecks Walking Track on the bay side of the island.
What Happened?
The man suffered abdominal and leg injuries in the attack and was treated by paramedics on the scene before being airlifted to the Princess Alexandra hospital in a stable condition.
He remains in hospital, and his condition is being closely monitored.
Recent Shark Attacks in Queensland
This is the second shark attack in Moreton Bay in less than a month, following the tragic death of 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda, who was bitten by a shark off Bribie Island in early February.
It’s also the fourth shark attack in Queensland waters in recent months, with two fatal incidents occurring in December last year.
Shark Attack Hotspot
Australia is known to be a global shark attack hotspot, with the country’s love for the ocean contributing to the higher number of incidents.
According to experts, the risk of a shark bite remains extremely low, with an average of 2.7 deaths from shark bites in Australia between 2014 and 2023.
Experts Weigh In
Dr. Daryl McPhee from Bond University says that the increasing number of shark bites is largely due to the growing population and more people being in the water.
Gavin Naylor, the director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s shark research program, praises Australia’s beach rescue services, saying they are “second to none” and likely contribute to the lower number of fatalities.
Staying Safe in the Water
While shark attacks can be a concern, experts emphasize that the risk remains low. Researchers are also exploring new ways to deter shark attacks, such as using LED lights on surfboards or kayaks.
As Australians continue to enjoy the ocean, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to stay safe.