Boy, 14, Fighting for His Life After Being Bitten by Shark While Fishing with Friends: 'Our Small Community Feels This Deeply' By Raven Brunner

A 14-year-old boy in Australia has been hospitalized after a shark attack. 

The teen was bitten by a shark while fishing with his friends at Thursday Island around 6:20 p.m. local time on Saturday, Oct. 11, according to a statement from the Torres Shire Council. 

“His friends acted with incredible bravery and quick thinking to help him back to safety,” the council said. 

The boy was bitten on the chest by the shark after he entered the water, per News9. Emergency services were called to Cook Esplanade on the island around 6:30 p.m. 

The Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service reported to the scene.

The teen was taken to the nearby Thursday Island Hospital following the incident. He was later airlifted to Townsville University Hospital in North Queensland. There, he underwent “urgent surgery,” the council said. 

The boy remains in critical condition, per News9. 

Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) reported that the young boy suffered significant blood loss and life-threatening injuries to his abdomen and internal organs. 

PEOPLE reached out to the Queensland Ambulance Service on Sunday, Oct. 12, but did not receive an immediate response.

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“This incident is very unfortunate, and our hopes and prayers go out to the boy and his family at this difficult time. Public safety is of paramount importance for the Council, and we strongly encourage everyone to be mindful and aware of the dangers in our surrounding waters and to always use good judgment,” Mayor Elsie Seriat OAM said in a statement.

“Our small community feels this deeply. We know many people are thinking of the young boy, his friends and their families. Please continue to keep them in your hearts and prayers,” she continued. 

Seriat said the council will continue to work closely with Queensland Health, police and the families involved. 

The mayor also stated that the council “will be looking at how we can further strengthen community awareness, water safety education, and signage across popular fishing and swimming spots.”

“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to the boys who helped their friend,” Seriat wrote, also recognizing the responders and healthcare workers who helped the teen. 

“Let’s continue to look out for one another, speak to our young people about water safety, and keep our community strong and connected,” she added.

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ABC received a statement from Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli, who said, “It’s obviously very traumatic for the individual, for the family, for the first responders, for those in the Townsville hospital who are administering treatment.”

“I hope everything is OK,” Crisafulli added.