BREAKING: A 13-year-old boy is in critical condition after a harrowing shark attack at Shark Beach in Vaucluse, Sydney, occurring around 4:20 PM on November 5, 2023. Emergency services rushed to the scene as reports flooded in of a boy suffering severe leg injuries, believed to be caused by a large shark.
Officials from NSW Police and Marine Area Command were on-site within minutes, pulling the boy from the water and applying two medical tourniquets before administering vital first aid on board a police vessel. He was then transported by boat to Rose Bay Wharf, where NSW Ambulance paramedics took over, treating him for serious injuries before transferring him by road to Sydney Children’s Hospital.
A spokesperson for the police stated, “The injuries are consistent with what is believed to have been a large shark.” The incident unfolded near Nielsen Park, a popular family swimming area that features a netted section for safety. Following the attack, the beach has been closed, and authorities are urging swimmers to stay out of the water.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, “This is a tragic shark attack on a young boy having a swim on a Sunday afternoon.” She confirmed that the Department of Primary Industries is actively working to identify the species of shark involved in the attack.
Footage from the scene depicts paramedics attending to the boy in a police rescue tent while multiple ambulances stand by. Witnesses reported a crowded beach at the time, raising concerns for the safety of other swimmers.
This incident is part of a troubling trend, as multiple swimmers have faced shark attacks in Sydney Harbour in recent years. Notably, a young woman was bitten at Elizabeth Bay earlier this year, and a 57-year-old surfer lost his life in a shark attack at Long Reef Beach in September. Just two months ago, a tragic shark incident claimed the life of a Swiss tourist at Kylies Beach along the New South Wales mid-north coast.
As this story develops, the focus remains on the well-being of the young victim and the efforts to ensure the safety of beachgoers in Sydney. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, with updates expected as investigations proceed.
