A spearfisherman was killed off of Queensland Australia’s Fraser Island on July 4th. The victim was brought to shore by his dive buddy. Emergency responders were quick to arrive, but the man’s injuries were too extensive. The victim’s dive buddy identified the animal as a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias).

On July 11th, a surfer was killed at Wooli beach in New South Wales, Australia. The victim was assisted by nearby surfers that fought off the animal before getting the victim to shore. The rescuers identified the animal as a large white shark (Carcharodon carcharias).

The majority of shark bites in these areas are from white and tiger sharks on surfers. Marine mammals, such as seals, appear very similar in silhouette to a surfer. Sharks bites on surfers are generally a case of mistaken identity. Unfortunately, even investigatory bites from animals of this size can prove fatal.

2010-2019 unprovoked shark bites	Nonfatal	Fatal
Queensland, Australia	22	2
New South Wales, Australia	63	4