Man Killed in Shark Attack Off Australia's East Coast

A father of two died after being attacked by a shark in the waters off of Fraser Island in Australia on Saturday.

Matthew Tratt, 36, died after he was bitten on the leg by a shark around 2:00 p.m., local time, as he was spearfishing in the ocean, Australia's ABC News reported. A nearby doctor and nurse attempted to treat Tratt and paramedics were called, but he died at the scene.

"Our deepest condolences go to this young man's family and friends," Fraser Coast mayor George Seymour said in a statement reported by ABC News. "The loss of a young life with his future before him is a tragedy beyond words. We share their sadness and grief," he said.

Newsweek reached out to Seymour for further comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

"Still can't believe you're gone Matthew Tratt, you were taken way to early," Tratt's friend Wayne Stievano wrote in a post to social media. "You always had my back in the water I only wish I could of been there today to have yours ... We love and miss you buddy, until we meet again, rest easy mate."

The shark attack took place near Indian Heads on Fraser Island, which is located in Queensland, Sky News reported. In April, another shark attack resulted in the death of 23-year-old wildlife ranger Zachary Robba in the same region.

At least four people have died from shark attacks in Australia so far this year, according to the BBC.

In early June, a 60-year-old male surfer died after being attacked by a 10-foot-long great white shark off Salt Beach in South Kingscliff, New South Wales, Australia. That man was also bitten on the leg by the shark. Although other surfers fought off the shark, the man died from his injuries.

The number of deadly attacks in Australia from shark attacks is significantly higher than last year. In 2019, Australia had 11 shark attacks, but none of those were fatal, according to data compiled by the Florida Museum of Natural History. The museum reported 140 total shark attacks around the world last year, but only two resulted in deaths.

There were 41 attacks by sharks in the U.S. in 2019, the highest number of any country in the world. But none of those attacks were fatal. The two deadly attacks in 2019 took place by the Bahama Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and by Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean.