Two shark attacks in 24 hours on Australia’s Whitsunday Islands

Media Statements
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries
The Honourable Mark Furner

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Fisheries Minister Mark Furner has expressed his sympathies to the victims of two shark attacks in the Whitsundays.

The Government has advised the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority that it is activating special provisions available to it and will set three drum lines in the area tomorrow.

“Nothing is more important than the protection of human life,” Mr Furner said.

“I want these drum lines in place as soon as possible.

“Fisheries officers and water police are already patrolling the area.”

Mr Furner urged swimmers to stay out of the water in the vicinity of Cid Harbour and Sawmill Bay near Whitsunday Island.

“Shark attacks in these waters are rare,” he said.

“That’s why these events are so shocking.”

Mr Furner also paid tribute to those who provided life-saving first aid to the victims along with RACQ CQ Rescue crew, paramedics and medical staff from Mackay Base Hospital.

A 46 year old woman from Tasmania is in a critical condition after being mauled on Wednesday.

A 12 year old girl arrived at Mackay Hospital this afternoon. Her condition is described as serious.

Source: Qld. Government

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Queensland Yacht Charters
A STATEMENT FROM CHRISTOPHE VANEK
Managing Director, Queensland Yacht Charters.

20. September 2018

Queensland Yacht Charters (QYC) is aware of two shark attack incidents in Cid Harbour on 19 and 20 September 2018. Both incidents involved passengers on board vessels under the management of QYC; one under private use and the other a charter.

I thank and commend those who came to the immediate aid of Mrs Barwick on Wednesday and the 12-year-old girl yesterday. We also thank the relevant authorities and commend their timely response.

I have been in constant contact with both families and wish them the very best for the recovery of their loved ones.
QYC continues to work with relevant government agencies in relation to both incidents.

I echo Minister Furner’s statement that shark attack incidents are rare in the Whitsundays. Our staff and the broader community are feeling a great deal of shock.

QYC has notified all current charter customers of the risk of sharks in Cid Harbour and advised against swimming in the region. For the foreseeable future, QYC charter customers will also be advised to be vigilant and refrain from swimming in Cid Harbour and the broader Whitsundays.

Source: QYC

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