Australian Shark Alert
Bruny Island diver bitten in shark attack; authorities warn of rising incidents
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Key Points
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The attack occurred at about 8 metres depth, roughly 50 metres offshore from Coal Point, Adventure Bay, during the dive.
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Bruny Island’s Adventure Bay area is notably remote, with around 40% of the island designated as wilderness or protected areas.
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Coastline monitoring continued after the attack, with vessels such as Dauntless patrolling the area to check for further shark activity.
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The incident fits into a broader pattern in 2026, where several fatal attacks occurred in Western Australia and Queensland, and data from the Australian Shark Incident Database shows a rising trend, averaging about 29 incidents per year over the last decade (versus about 16 per year in the 2000s).
A 31-year-old recreational diver was bitten on the forearm by a two-metre broadnose sevengill shark off Bruny Island's Adventure Bay on Saturday morning, suffering injuries that were serious but not life-threatening. Perth Now reported the attack happened at about 9:10 am, roughly 50 metres from shore at a depth of eight metres near Coal Point.
The diver, diving with two companions, was able to return to shore with their help. He was then airlifted to Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment. Authorities patrolled the area afterward and found no further shark activity.
How the Attack Unfolded at Eight Metres Deep
The three divers were about 50 metres offshore from Coal Point when the shark struck, according to Irrigator. The victim was bitten on the forearm. His two dive companions helped him back to the beach, where emergency services were waiting.
The diver was airlifted to Royal Hobart Hospital. Adventure Bay is about 90 minutes south of Hobart, in one of Tasmania's most remote coastal areas. Around 40% of Bruny Island is designated wilderness or protected land, making quick emergency access a challenge.
Sevengill Shark Identified, Vessels Patrol the Coastline
Authorities identified the shark as a broadnose sevengill, a species known to frequent southern Australian waters. The vessel Dauntless patrolled the bay after the attack. No further sharks were spotted during the search, Dungog Chronicle reported.
Police and local officials urged swimmers and divers to stay alert and follow water safety advice. There was no immediate sign of additional threats in the area. Monitoring of the coastline continued through the day.
Australia's Shark Attacks Are Rising Year by Year
The Bruny Island incident fits a troubling national trend. The Australian Shark Incident Database shows attacks have averaged about 29 per year over the last decade. That is nearly double the roughly 16 per year recorded in the 2000s.
In 2026 alone, about four of 12 recorded attacks in Australia were fatal. Fatal incidents have been reported in Western Australia and Queensland this year. Experts say increased ocean use and shark population recovery both contribute to the rising numbers.
Authorities Urge Vigilance as Remote Waters Pose Extra Risk
The remote nature of Adventure Bay adds risk for anyone in trouble. Help can take far longer to arrive than in areas closer to Hobart. Officials stressed that divers and swimmers should always go out in groups and tell someone onshore their plans.
Saturday's victim was fortunate to have two fellow divers with him. Their quick response likely made a critical difference. Police confirmed there were no further threats detected as of Saturday afternoon, but urged the public to remain cautious in the area.
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