Professional diver attacked by shark at Great Barrier Reef recalls bloodbath after predator went from calm to ‘ballistic’ in a split second

A young man who was bitten by a shark in Far North Queensland has recalled the terrifying attack that left him in a 'massive massacre'.

Professional diver Matthew Davitt had been fishing for sea cucumbers in the remote Tydeman Reef, in the Great Barrier Reef region, off the coast of Cape York in Queensland on Thursday.

Mr Davitt said he had been around sharks all his life but had 'never had a problem with them' until a huge bull shark brutally 'caught on'.

He said he was aware the shark was close as he dived 80 feet down to hunt for sea cucumbers.

The 21-year-old said the 6-foot shark's behavior then changed in a “wasted second.”

“Before I could even think about it, he had done a somersault and hit me in the arm… He just went ballistic and hit it,” he said. 7NEWS.

'He just torpedoed towards me and just kept holding on. It was like I was trying to push him away, punch him.”

The animal eventually released Mr Davitt, who was 'terrified'.

He was able to swim quickly to the surface of the ocean, surrounded by a 'great carnage'.

Mr Davitt fortunately reached his boat and a companion on board immediately applied a tourniquet to restrict blood flow.

The injured professional diver credited the tourniquet with saving his life.

Mr Davitt suffered injuries to his shoulder and biceps in the attack.

Mr Davitt was taken to the fishing crew's main boat near Clack Island and flown to Cairns Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

“I've always dealt with sharks all my life and never had a problem with them,” Mr Davitt admitted.

'But this was just the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I've never experienced anything like this in my life.”

Despite the horrific ordeal, Davitt said he would not hesitate to take to the ocean in the future.

Mr Davitt is expected to make a full recovery.