Today's Edition
SYDNEY (DPA)
A 12-year-old boy has died from his serious injuries just under a week after a shark attack in Sydney.
"We are heartbroken," Australian media quoted from a statement by the parents on Saturday. They said their son was "a happy, friendly and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit."
The boy was bitten near Shark Beach in the east of Sydney last Sunday and suffered serious injuries to both legs. His friends jumped into the water to bring him to safety, the broadcaster 9News reported.
The authorities believe a bull shark may have attacked the child.
Concerns are growing in and around the city after several shark attacks within a short period of time.
According to media reports, there were four attacks in just two days in the Australian state of New South Wales, which includes Sydney.
A man was attacked at the well-known Manly Beach and seriously injured in one leg. His condition remains critical, broadcaster 9News reported.
A shark is also said to have knocked an 11-year-old boy off his surfboard at nearby Dee Why Beach. While the child miraculously escaped unharmed, the predator bit a large piece out of the board.
According to experts, bull shark activity increases off the coast of Sydney during the warmer months. It is currently summer in Australia.
Climate change is also prolonging the period during which swimmers and surfers are exposed to increased risk, as rising water temperatures keep the animals closer to the coast for longer.
According to official data from 2025, there have been an average of around 20 shark incidents resulting in injuries per year in Australia over the past decade. On average, 2.8 deaths were recorded annually.
