A 29-year-old man was bitten by a shark off Moreton Island, across from Redcliffe in Moreton Bay, marking the second attack in the area this month. The incident occurred near the Wrecks Walking Track, a popular snorkelling site, prompting concerns among marine experts about an increasing “cluster of bites” in the region.
Second Attack in a Month Raises Alarm
The attack took place around 3 p.m. on Saturday, 22 February 2025, with the victim reportedly snorkelling alone just five metres from shore at the Tangalooma Wrecks. Emergency services treated him for abdominal and leg injuries before he was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. The man was stable upon arrival and has since been released.
This marks the second shark attack in Moreton Bay in February. The first was the tragic death of 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda, who was fatally bitten by a shark at Woorim Beach, Bribie Island, earlier this month.
Recent Shark Attacks in Queensland Waters
The latest Moreton Bay attack is the fourth shark bite incident in Queensland waters in recent months:
- February 2025 – Charlize Zmuda, 17, fatally bitten off Bribie Island
- December 2024 – A man hospitalised after a shark bite at Curtis Island
- December 2024 – Luke Walford, 40, killed by a shark at Humpy Island
Australia has seen a long-term rise in shark attacks. The experts attribute it to a growing population and increased ocean activity rather than an increase in aggressive shark behaviour.
Shark Expert Warns of ‘Cluster of Bites’
Shark attack expert Dr Daryl McPhee from Bond University has warned that Moreton Bay is experiencing a “cluster of bites.” It is a pattern of multiple attacks occurring in the same region over a short period.
Clusters like this have previously been recorded in the Whitsundays, northern New South Wales, and Perth. According to Dr McPhee, various factors could be at play, including:
- Increased prey presence in the area, attracting large sharks
- Dolphin feeding habits, which can draw predators closer to shore
- Seasonal changes affecting shark migration and feeding behaviour
While Dr McPhee acknowledges that bad luck plays a role, he notes that Moreton Bay’s waters are currently seeing increased shark activity.
Community Response
Following the latest attack, city official David Crisafulli addressed the state’s shark management program. He stated that the authorities are actively reviewing safety measures. Despite concerns, Tangalooma Island Resort director David James confirmed that tourism had not been significantly impacted by the incident.
What’s Next?
Authorities have yet to identify the species of shark involved in the attack. Fisheries Queensland confirmed that no Shark Control Program measures are in place at the Wrecks site, raising further questions about safety precautions in high-traffic snorkelling and swimming areas.
A government review of shark safety policies is expected to be released soon. Mr Crisafulli reiterated that human safety will take priority over other considerations.
Marine experts advise swimmers, divers, and snorkellers in Moreton Bay to exercise caution, particularly in areas with known shark activity.
Published 24-Feb-2025