An Australian boy is in critical condition after being bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbour, authorities confirmed on Monday (Jan 19), following days of heavy rain that created ideal conditions for sharks to enter the area.
The boy, believed to be between 12 and 13 years old, was jumping off a six-metre rock with friends late Sunday afternoon at a beach in Vaucluse, about nine kilometres from Sydney’s central business district, when the attack occurred.
Police said recent heavy rainfall had washed fresh water into the harbour, making the water murky and creating brackish conditions favoured by bull sharks.
The boy suffered severe injuries to both legs and was pulled from the water by his friends before emergency services arrived. He remains in critical condition at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
“He’s in for the fight of his life now, and the actions of emergency services yesterday gave him that chance,” New South Wales Police Superintendent Joseph McNulty told reporters.
McNulty said the combination of murky water, fresh water inflow and splashing activity may have triggered the attack.
“We believe that created a perfect storm environment for a bull shark,” he said.
Police officers transported the unconscious boy on a police boat, administering first aid and applying two tourniquets to control heavy bleeding before rushing him to paramedics waiting at a nearby wharf.
Authorities praised the boy’s friends for their quick and brave response.
Australia has recorded more than 1,280 shark incidents since 1791, with over 250 fatalities. The country averages about 20 shark attacks each year, with fewer than three resulting in death.
Experts say increasing human activity in coastal waters and rising ocean temperatures may be contributing to changing shark behaviour and attack patterns.
