Shark attack near Lady Elliot Island leaves snorkeler seriously injured

A man in his 50s was airlifted to Bundaberg Hospital on March 5 after being attacked by a shark while snorkeling near Lady Elliot Island, Queensland, Australia. 

The incident left him with puncture wounds on his hand and deep lacerations on his right arm.

The Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) confirmed in a Facebook post that the victim, who was snorkeling with two friends at around 8 a.m., managed to swim ashore despite his injuries. 

Emergency personnel, including a critical care doctor and a flight paramedic, provided treatment at the scene before the man was transported to the hospital in stable condition.

Lady Elliot Island custodian Peter Gash told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that the men involved were not guests of the Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. 

“The men swam ashore and alerted Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort staff,” Gash said. “Resort staff provided immediate assistance, stabilized the man, and helped coordinate an emergency response.”

Following the attack, the resort closed the western snorkeling zones until further notice. A spokesperson said it is not yet known what species of shark was involved. 

Resort staff and marine shark experts are monitoring the area, and all in-house guests have been informed of the closure and safety measures.

Authorities reminded visitors to avoid swimming at dawn or dusk and to stay out of murky water.

Lady Elliot Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef and is surrounded by coral reefs, making it a popular snorkeling destination. 

While shark attacks in the area are rare, officials continue to emphasize caution for swimmers and snorkelers in reef waters.

The Queensland Ambulance Service and Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.