A shark attack at Woorim Beach on Bribie Island, Queensland, has left a 17-year-old girl dead, marking the second fatal shark attack in the region in just over a month.
The incident occurred on Monday at the southeastern end of Bribie Island, a stretch of open beach known for its strong currents and increased shark activity.
The attack happened in broad daylight while the teenager was swimming. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the young woman sustained fatal upper-body injuries and could not be saved. Following the tragedy, Woorim Beach has been closed until further notice as authorities assess the risk of further encounters.
This incident comes just 35 days after a 40-year-old man was killed in a similar shark attack at Keppel Islands National Park, also in Queensland. He succumbed to his injuries two hours after being bitten, making him the eighth shark attack victim in Australia in 2024—the only fatality at the time.
A History of Shark Attacks in Australia
According to the Australian Shark Incident Database maintained by the Taronga Conservation Society, Australia has recorded over 1,230 shark attacks since 1871. While most encounters are non-fatal, Australia remains one of the world’s hotspots for shark-related incidents, with great white sharks being one of the most feared species due to their unpredictable nature.
Queensland’s coastal waters are home to several shark species, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and great whites. While shark bites remain rare, increased human activity in the ocean—along with environmental factors—has led to heightened shark encounters in recent years.
Are Australian Beaches Safe for Tourists?
Tourists flock to Queensland’s beaches for surfing, swimming, and snorkeling, but the recent shark attack raises concerns about safety measures. Woorim Beach, like many popular Australian beaches, is not protected by shark nets or enclosures, making swimmers more vulnerable in deeper waters.
Authorities continue to monitor shark activity and urge visitors to follow safety guidelines, including:
- Swimming in patrolled areas where lifeguards can respond to emergencies
- Avoiding dawn and dusk swims, when sharks are more active
- Not swimming near schools of fish or in murky water, which can attract predators
- Heeding beach closures and shark warnings issued by local authorities
While shark encounters remain rare, tragedies like this serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with Australia’s wild and beautiful coastline.
