Shark attacks diver at popular Tasmanian tourist spot - following a string of beach closures after sightings along the east coast

By CAITLIN POWELL - NEWS REPORTER Published: 01:43, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 01:57, 18 July 2026 A diver has been injured after a shark attack during a morning swim off the eastern coast of Bruny Island in Tasmania.  Emergency services were called to Coal Point, Adventure Bay, on Saturday to treat the victim who is understood to be a 31-year-old man. 'About 9.10am, police received reports that a person had been bitten by a shark on the forearm,' Tasmania Police said in a statement. 'The person is receiving medical treatment at the scene for what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. 'We’d like to thank the public for their assistance at the scene.' Swimmers and divers in the area have been warned about the attack. 'The attack ... involved a shark estimated at two meters in length. It is not described as a white pointer,' a warning by the Tasmanian Government said on social media. The incident comes after Australia has seen a string of shark attacks since the start of this year. A recreational shore diver has been injured after a shark attack during a morning swim (stock image) Police were called to Coal Point, Adventure Bay, in Tasmania on Saturday at about 9.10am  On June 13, teacher Leah Stewart was severely mauled by a suspected 3.5-metre great white shark about 20 to 30m offshore at Coogee Beach. Local councils immediately closed beaches from Bondi to Maroubra, including Coogee Beach.  A diver also died off the Western Australia coast in June after being attacked by a shark in front of loved ones. Daniel Turpin, a 35-year-old panel beater, was spearfishing with family when he was bitten by a suspected 4.5-metre shark just before 11.30am at Michaelmas Island off Albany, 400km southeast of Perth. Earlier in the year, New South Wales was rocked by a series of shark attacks over a 48-hour period.    Nico Antic, 12, was bitten by a bull shark while he was jumping off rocks with friends near Nielsen Park in Sydney's east in January.  He was rushed to hospital with severe injuries to both of his legs and died almost a week later. The attacks sparked a mass closure of Sydney beaches, with experts linking the surge to murky water conditions, heavy rain and increased bait fish activity.