It is believed he was killed as he swam near Clarkes beach by a juvenile great white.
New South Wales police have yet to confirm the man’s identity.
“At 10.45am, police and paramedics were called to Main Beach after reports of a shark attack,” police said in their initial statement. “Inquiries into the identity of the deceased, and what he was doing in the water at the time of the incident, are continuing.”
The Sunshine Coast Daily reported the victim was wearing flippers and that he was attacked while his wife was on the beach.
Beaches in the area have been closed for 24 hours and people are being warned to stay out of the water.
Clarkes Beach closed in #ByronBay for an apparent shark attack pic.twitter.com/v6CuSk3nEr
— Bianca Boulay (@bee13525) September 9, 2014
Image via Thinkstock