A young teenager is in critical condition after being attacked by a shark while swimming in the ocean. The incident occurred off Cook Esplanade in North Queensland, Australia, prompting an emergency response from the Queensland Ambulance Service. The 14-year-old boy sustained severe abdominal injuries and was swiftly taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital, where he remains in a critical state.
Reportedly, the boy was in the water for fishing activities with his friends when the attack took place. His friends assisted him to safety after the incident, drawing praise from Elsie Seriat OAM, the Mayor of Torres Shire Council, who commended their quick actions and bravery.
Expressing deep concern over the incident, Mayor Seriat conveyed heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the boy and his family during this challenging period. She urged the community to support them with positive energy and vigilance in the waters. Emphasizing the importance of caution, she urged locals to stay alert and mindful of potential dangers in the surrounding waters.
Furthermore, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli extended his well wishes for the boy’s recovery, acknowledging the distressing nature of the event for all involved. He assured that efforts were ongoing to provide necessary support and assistance to the affected families.
Shark attacks in the Torres Strait region are infrequent, with the last reported incident occurring almost a decade ago in 2017. Notably, the Torres Strait falls outside the coverage of Queensland’s Government Shark Control Program, designed to mitigate shark-related risks along the coastal areas.
According to the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the local waters host around 100 shark species, with seven species posing a higher potential threat to humans. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with health services and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the area.