A 12-year-old boy is in a critical condition after a shark attack at a Sydney beach, with his friends' quick response potentially saving his life. The incident occurred at Hermitage Foreshore Walk near Shark Beach in Vaucluse, prompting an urgent call to emergency services around 4:20 pm on Sunday. The boy's friends, acting swiftly, alerted authorities, and water police officers were on the scene within minutes, providing immediate medical assistance. The victim sustained severe leg injuries, believed to be inflicted by a large shark, and was rushed to the Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick. The marine area commander, Superintendent Joseph McNulty, emphasized the importance of timely intervention, stating that every second counted. He attributed the boy's survival to the swift actions of his friends and the emergency services, who administered first aid and medical tourniquets. The attack is suspected to have been influenced by the brackish water conditions, a result of heavy rainfall over the weekend, which created an ideal environment for the shark. The boy's condition remains critical, but his chances of survival are promising due to the swift response and medical intervention.
