Teenage boy fighting for life after being bitten by shark off Queensland coast

A teenage boy is fighting for life in hospital after being bitten by a shark on Thursday Island off the Far North Queensland coast.

Emergency services were called to Cook Esplanade on the island just before 6.30pm yesterday after reports the 14-year-old had been bitten on the chest by a shark while fishing with friends.

He entered the water and was mauled suddenly, with his friends dragging him to safety.

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He was rushed to Thursday Island Hospital, before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital.

The boy remains in a critical condition.

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