A 12-year-old boy has died after a shark encounter at a well-known cliff jumping location in Sydney Harbour, prompting an investigation by marine authorities and renewed safety warnings for the public.
The incident took place on Sunday afternoon near Birkenhead Point Marina in the Woolwich suburb. Emergency responders were alerted shortly after 4:30 p.m. local time when reports emerged of a teenager suffering severe injuries in the water.
According to officials, bystanders and friends managed to pull the boy out of the harbour before emergency services arrived. Paramedics worked extensively at the scene, administering life-saving measures for more than 45 minutes. The teenager was treated for critical injuries, including a serious wound to his leg, before being rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital.
Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead a short time after arriving at the hospital.
New South Wales Police confirmed that the Marine Area Command has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The type of shark involved has not yet been officially identified.
The area where the incident occurred is locally known as a popular recreational cliff jumping spot, despite not being formally designated for swimming. Authorities have advised residents and visitors to stay away from the location while investigations continue.
The teenager’s identity has not been released, as police continue the process of notifying family members. Officials have extended condolences to those affected and urged the public to exercise caution when entering coastal and harbour waters.
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