A 13-year-old boy is in critical condition after being attacked by a large shark at Shark Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Sunday afternoon.
Shark Attack at Sydney Beach
Emergency services responded to reports of the attack near Hermitage Foreshore Walk at Vaucluse around 4:20pm. Police initially believed the boy was 12 years old, but later confirmed his age as 13.
The NSW Ambulance service reported the boy sustained critical injuries to both legs and is currently being treated at Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick.
According to a police statement, the injuries are “consistent with what is believed to have been a large shark.” Officers from Marine Area Command and Eastern Suburbs Police rescued the boy “within minutes” of receiving the emergency call.
Police administered two medical tourniquets and provided initial first aid on board the police vessel Water Police 41 before transporting him to Rose Bay wharf, where paramedics continued treatment.
Shark Beach has been closed to swimmers, and authorities are advising people to avoid swimming in the area.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries is expected to be involved in identifying the species of shark responsible for the attack.
This incident follows two other shark attacks reported in New South Wales in recent months. In September of last year, Mercury Psillakis was fatally mauled by a great white shark at Long Reef Beach. Two Swiss nationals were also attacked by a shark at Kylies Beach in November, resulting in one fatality and one critical injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly did emergency services respond?
Police stated that they rescued the boy “within minutes” of the triple-0 call being made.
Where is the boy receiving medical treatment?
The boy is being treated at Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick.
What is being done to identify the shark?
It is expected that the NSW Department of Primary Industries will be called in to try to identify what sort of shark was involved in the attack.
As the investigation unfolds, what measures do you think could be taken to improve safety at Sydney beaches?
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