Sydney, Australia:
A tragic incident unfolded in the waters of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as a 40-year-old pastor, Luke Walford, was fatally attacked by a shark while fishing with his family off Humpy Island on the country’s east coast. Walford, who served as a youth pastor at the Cathedral of Praise church in Rockhampton, Queensland, fell victim to the predator’s bite on his neck on Saturday afternoon.
According to Queensland state police, the attack occurred while Walford was fishing with his family members, resulting in life-threatening injuries that tragically led to his passing about an hour and a half later. The authorities confirmed that a report will be prepared for the coroner, although it remains unclear whether Walford was spearfishing at the time of the incident.
Walford’s social media posts from 2021 depicted him on a boat in a wetsuit proudly displaying large fish, indicating his passion for fishing and exploring the ocean. The Queensland ambulance spokeswoman revealed that he succumbed to a significant life-threatening wound to his neck at the scene of the attack.
Humpy Island, situated within the Great Barrier Reef’s Keppel Bay Islands National Park, is known for its popular camping grounds that provide convenient access to the reefs for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of marine life and the importance of exercising caution while enjoying water activities.
Australia’s most recent fatal shark attack prior to this incident occurred in December 2023, when a 15-year-old boy was killed by what was believed to be a great white shark at a remote surfing spot in South Australia. The country has recorded over 1,200 shark incidents since 1791, with more than 250 resulting in fatalities, as documented in a national database.
Most serious shark bites in Australia are attributed to white sharks, bull sharks, and tiger sharks, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and awareness when engaging in water-based recreational pursuits.
(This article has been rewritten based on the original story and has not been edited by NDTV staff. It is sourced from a syndicated feed.)
