Fatal shark attacks surge: 2025-2026 comparison reveals escalating trend
Fatal shark attacks increased from five in 2025 to at least three confirmed in early 2026.
Event / Disaster
Australia Shark Attacks 2026
Multiple shark attack incidents reported along Australian coasts during 2026, including a severe non-fatal attack in Western Australia and fatal attacks in Queensland, reflecting an increase in such incidents.
10 reported locations
Daily activity
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 6 Jun, 07:58 UTC
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What happened
Three spearfishing divers killed by sharks off Australian coast in May 2026
Three spearfishing divers were killed by sharks off the Australian coast within a two-week period in May 2026. On May 16, Steve Mattabonni, 38, was fatally mauled by a suspected great white shark near Rottnest Island off Western Australia. On May 24, Michael Jensz, 39, suffered fatal head injuries in a bull shark attack while spearfishing on the Great Barrier Reef. On June 7, Daniel Turpin, 35, was killed by a 4.5-meter white shark while spearfishing off Michaelmas Island near Albany in Western Australia.
Fourth serious shark incident in Sydney since September 2025
The shark attack at Coogee Beach marked the fourth serious shark incident in Sydney since September 2025, according to Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce. This reflects a significant increase in shark incidents in the Sydney area over the previous nine months.
Australia recorded five fatal shark attacks in 2025
Australia recorded five fatal shark attacks in 2025, exceeding the nation's average of two to three fatal attacks per year since 2000 according to the Australian Shark Incident Database.
Twelve-year-old boy died in bull shark attack in Sydney Harbour in January 2026
A 12-year-old boy died in a hospital following a shark attack in Sydney Harbour in January 2026. The boy was mauled by a bull shark, making it the fifth fatal shark attack recorded in Australia during 2026.
Shark estimated at 3-4 metres involved in Coogee Beach attack
The shark involved in the attack at Coogee Beach was estimated to be between 3-4 metres in size. Witnesses described it as a large white shark, with one lifeguard estimating it at approximately 11 feet long. The exact species had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.
Multiple Sydney beaches closed following shark attack
All beaches from Bondi to Maroubra in Sydney were closed for at least 24 hours following the shark attack at Coogee Beach. The closures included Coogee, Tamarama, Bondi, and Bronte beaches. Additional drone surveillance was organized for Bondi and Bronte beaches on Saturday and Sunday.
Woman critically injured in shark attack at Coogee Beach, Sydney
A woman in her 30s was critically injured after being attacked by a shark at Coogee Beach in Sydney's east on Saturday morning at approximately 11:15 a.m. She suffered serious arm and leg injuries with exposed bone. Bystanders pulled her from the water and provided first aid before emergency services arrived. She was airlifted by helicopter to St Vincent's Hospital in critical condition.
Four fatal shark attacks recorded in Australia in 2026
Four people died in Australia during 2026 in shark attack incidents similar to the Coogee Beach attack.
Neighboring beaches closed following shark attack
Clovelly Beach and Bronte Beach, neighboring beaches to Coogee Beach, were closed as a precautionary measure following the shark attack.
Climate change linked to altered shark migration patterns
Scientists believe that warming waters caused by climate change are modifying shark migration routes, potentially increasing the frequency of encounters between sharks and humans in frequently visited areas.
Swimmer attacked by shark at Coogee Beach in Sydney
A swimmer in her thirties was pulled from the water with severe injuries after being bitten by a shark at Coogee Beach, one of Sydney's most popular beaches. She sustained serious injuries to her arms and legs and was airlifted to hospital.
Michael Jensz killed in shark attack on Great Barrier Reef
Michael Jensz, a 39-year-old spearfisher, suffered unsurvivable head injuries in a shark attack on May 24 on the Great Barrier Reef off Australia's northeast coast. Bull sharks had been seen in the vicinity.
Rising ocean temperatures and crowded waters linked to shark migration pattern changes
Australian scientists believe increasingly crowded waters and rising ocean temperatures are affecting sharks' migratory patterns, potentially contributing to a rise in shark attacks. Poor water quality and murky conditions are considered conducive to shark activity.
35-year-old spearfisher killed in shark attack off Western Australia
A 35-year-old man died on Saturday after being attacked by a shark while spearfishing with family off Michaelmas Island near Albany in Western Australia. The attack occurred before noon local time. Authorities suspect a 4.5-meter (15-foot) white shark was responsible. The man was brought to shore by boat but could not be revived by paramedics.
12-year-old boy Nico Antic killed in Sydney Harbor shark attack in January
Nico Antic, a 12-year-old boy, died in a hospital days after being mauled by a bull shark in Sydney Harbor in January 2026. He and friends had been jumping in the water when the attack occurred. Recent rains had made the water murky at the time.
Steve Mattabonni killed by 13-foot white shark near Rottnest Island
Steve Mattabonni, a 38-year-old spearfisher, was fatally mauled by a four-meter (13-foot) white shark on May 16 northwest of Albany near Rottnest Island. The attack was witnessed by his friends, who attempted to save him but could not revive him after he was bitten on the legs. He had two young children.
Australian shark attacks exceed historical average with four fatalities in 2026
Australia experienced four fatal shark attacks in 2026, significantly exceeding the nation's historical average of around three deaths per year. The clustering of three attacks within four weeks in May-June 2026 is described as extraordinary.
Increased shark activity observed off Western Australia coast during winter months
Commercial fishermen reported an increase in larger shark activity in waters off Western Australia, particularly during the May-June period. Fishermen noted that sharks chase sardine and salmon migrations along the coast during this time of year, which is described as normal seasonal behavior. The area is also known for seals, which sharks hunt.
Diver severely injured in 4.5-meter shark attack off Michaelmas Island, Western Australia
A man in his thirties was severely injured in a shark attack off Michaelmas Island, southeast of Perth in Western Australia on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The shark involved was approximately 4.5 meters in length. Emergency services and Western Australian authorities responded to the incident.
Spearfisher killed in shark attack on Kennedy Shoal, Queensland
A 39-year-old spearfisher was killed in a shark attack on Kennedy Shoal in Queensland on May 24, 2026. Authorities indicated the most likely candidates for the attack were a bull shark or tiger shark.
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2 alternative perspectives
Critical injury marks fourth serious shark incident in Sydney
Woman critically injured at Coogee Beach in Sydney's fourth serious shark attack since September 2025.
Australia's 2026 shark attack toll reaches four confirmed fatalities
Australia confirms four fatal shark attacks in 2026, exceeding historical averages for deadly incidents.
Rising ocean temperatures reshape shark migration toward Australian coasts
Climate change is redirecting shark migration patterns toward Australian waters, researchers find.
Sydney beach closed after shark attack on swimmer at Coogee
Shark attack at Coogee Beach triggered closures of surrounding Sydney beaches.
Winter waters and rising temperatures drive shark behavior shifts
Rising ocean temperatures and seasonal changes are altering shark migration patterns along Australian coasts.
Four fatal shark attacks mark deadly year in Australian waters
Four fatal shark attacks across Australia in 2026 exceed historical averages.
Australia records three fatal shark attacks in 2026
Three fatal shark attacks occurred in Australia in 2026 across multiple regions.