Updated December 15, 2014 16:32:03

Photo: People gathered at Sugar Wharf after the shark attack victim was brought to shore. (Supplied: www.thenewsport.com.au)

A Queensland teenager who just completed year 12 has died after a shark attack off Port Douglas in the state's far north.

Emergency services were called around 11:30am (AEST) after reports a 17-year-old boy had been bitten on the upper thigh at Rudder Reef.

A Queensland Ambulance spokesman said attempts were made to resuscitate the teenager on the boat but he died earlier this afternoon.

It is not yet known what type of shark was involved in the attack.

Ambulance officials will hold a media conference in Cairns later this afternoon.

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said it was tragic news and the community was in shock.

"Our hearts very much go out to his family," she said.

"It is a real shock to all of us that this has occurred.

"He had just completed year 12 at Mossman State High School - he was a lovely fellow and we are very, very sad that this has happened."

Topics: shark, animal-attacks, port-douglas-4871, cairns-4870, qld

First posted December 15, 2014 15:18:16