A 12-year-old boy was attacked by a large shark in Sydney Harbour, Australia, and is currently fighting for his life in hospital.
The boy was attacked by a shark on the afternoon of the 18th while he and his friends jumped into the water from Sydney Harbour’s 'Shark Beach.'
'Shark Beach' is a popular swimming spot for families in Sydney Harbour, despite its frightening name. The beach includes a shark-proof netted area as well as an open harbour swimming zone.
According to AFP, New South Wales police said the scene was horrific when officers arrived, and they believe the shark that attacked the boy’s lower limbs was a bull shark.
Police said that recent heavy rains have caused water to flow into the harbour, making it murky.
Police emphasized that the mix of fresh and salt water and the splashing created by the children jumping in the water reduced visibility, possibly creating the perfect environment for the shark to launch an attack.
Police noted that the boy’s brave friends rescued him before officers arrived. When police got to the scene, they pulled the boy onto the police boat and administered first aid, while quickly speeding the boat to the pier where paramedics were waiting.
The boy is currently in the intensive care unit at Sydney Children’s Hospital, with his family and friends by his side.
According to a database recording shark encounters with humans, there have been more than 1,280 shark attack incidents in Australian waters since 1791, of which more than 250 have been fatal.
Scientists note that, although overfishing has led to sharp declines in certain shark species, more crowded waters and rising ocean temperatures appear to be changing shark migration patterns, which may be one reason for the increase in shark attacks.