Man flown to hospital after being bitten by shark off Moreton Island released

An update has been provided in the condition of the 29-year-old man attacked by a shark at the wrecks on Moreton Island. It comes as swimmers continue to enter waters in the same spot.

The wrecks at Moreton Island.

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A man in his 20s who was flown to hospital after being bitten by a shark off Moreton Island on Saturday has been released.

It is understood the 29-year-old man was snorkelling on his own at the popular wrecks and was about five metres from shore when he was attacked just after 3pm, sustaining abdominal and leg injuries.

After the attack he was assessed on the scene by two Queensland Ambulance Service units before being flown to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a stable condition.

He was released from hospital on Sunday.

Bribie Island shark attack victim Charlize Zmuda. Source: TikTok

The incident marks the fourth shark attack in Queensland waters in recent months.

Charlize Zmuda, 17, was killed after being attacked by a shark at Bribie Island on February 3.

Luke Walford, 40, was fatally bitten by a shark on December 28 near Humpy Island.

Another man was hospitalised in December after a shark attack on Curtis Island.

Tangalooma Island Resort Director David James said there had been no effect on tourism despite the horror attack, with snorkellers still entering the waters at the wrecks.

“We’ve seen no decrease in people going for a swim out on the beach,” Mr James said.

“It was only a minor incident, which is very fortunate, and I understand he was released from the hospital ... which is a fantastic result.”

“There’s still people snorkelling the wrecks today and apparently, according to the ambulance officers, there was people snorkelling after it [the attack] yesterday.”

Saturday’s incident has reignited heated debate surrounding shark safety, with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli questioned on the topic at a media conference on Sunday.

“Every time we hear about an incident like this, Queenslanders feel very uncomfortable about it,” he said.

“We are actively looking at the current management program and we’re determined to make sure that we make our oceans safer for Queenslanders for generations.”

A file photo of a snorkeller exploring the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island. Picture: Lachie Millard

The Premier said he was unsure of what type of shark attacked the man, but a review had been ordered which would be released soon.

“The only change on shark management will be to strengthen our coastline, not to make justification as to why people shouldn’t be in the ocean.”

“I put humans before sharks,” he said.

It is understood there is no shark prevention at the wrecks or patrol by lifeguards due to it being a national park.