HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to the Spearfisher who was mauled to death by a shark off the coast of Australia. Matthew Tratt, 36, was a father-of-two, who died on Saturday after suffering serious injuries to his leg and significant blood loss as a result of the attack. The air-conditioning contractor had been out spearfishing […]
HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to the Spearfisher who was mauled to death by a shark off the coast of Australia.
Matthew Tratt, 36, was a father-of-two, who died on Saturday after suffering serious injuries to his leg and significant blood loss as a result of the attack.
The air-conditioning contractor had been out spearfishing with his brother near the tourist hotspot Fraser Island.
Paramedics were called to the site off Indian Head just after 2pm local time.
They were winched down from the RACQ Lifeflight Rescue helicopter – but despite working to save the diver for more than an hour, he was pronounced dead at the scene, the Queensland Ambulance Service said.
Matthew’s grieving wife Kayla changed the profile picture on her Facebook page to a snap of the couple together.
A friend of the couple, Stacey Bates, wrote: “We can’t comprehend what you are going though right now Kayla.
“Our hearts are hurting for you and the kids so much.
“This is a gorgeous photo, you have so many pictures and beautiful memories to cherish in your heart forever.”
The loss of a young life with his future before him is a tragedy beyond words and we share their sadness and grief
Fraser Coast mayor George Seymour
Fraser Coast mayor George Seymour said the local community was deeply saddened by the tragedy.
He wrote on Facebook: “This a tremendously sad day for our community.
“Our deepest condolences go to this young man’s family and friends.
“The loss of a young life with his future before him is a tragedy beyond words and we share their sadness and grief.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also paid her own tribute.
“It is very tragic and, of course, our condolences go out to the family of the man who lost his life off the coast of Fraser Island in that brutal shark attack,” she said.
The attack happened close to the site of another fatal shark attack in April.
Queensland wildlife ranger Zachary Robba, 23, died after being bitten by a great white.
At least four people have now died in shark attacks in Australia this year, with three perishing in Queensland in as many months.
