A teenager who remains in a critical condition after being mauled by a shark in the Torres Strait Islands, north of Australia, was rescued by his friends.
The boy, 14, was fishing from a wharf on Thursday Island, in Far North Queensland, and briefly jumped into the water to cool off near Cook Esplanade about 6.30pm on Saturday.
He was suddenly bitten on the torso by the unseen shark not long after jumping in.
Brave witnesses, understood to be the boy’s friends, jumped in the water to help the teenager to shore.
Their intervention likely saved the boy’s life.Â
The 14-year-old lost a significant amount of blood and suffered life-threatening injuries to his abdomen and internal organs.
He was initially taken to Thursday Island Hospital before being airlifted to Townsville for emergency surgery.
The teenager remains in a critical condition at Townsville University Hospital.Â
The 14-year-old’s friends jumped into the water to bring him to the shore, away from the shark
A teenager was attacked by a shark on Thursday Island (pictured) on Saturday
Torres Shire Mayor Elsi Seriat applauded the boy’s friends who acted with ‘incredible bravery’ to save him.
‘This incident is very unfortunate, and our hopes and prayers go out to the boy and his family at this difficult time,’ she said.
‘We strongly encourage everyone to be mindful and aware of the dangers in our surrounding waters and to always use good judgement.’
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli told the ABC his thoughts were with the boy and his community.
‘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,’ he said.
‘I hope everything is okay.’
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Mates of 14-year-old shark attack victim are hailed heroes for diving in the water to save him as he was being mauled: ‘Incredible bravery’