Shark Attack
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: Palm Beach closed as beaches in Sydney's north have been closed since Tuesday due to shark attacks and dangerous currents during summer in Sydney on January 22, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Steve Christo - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

11-Year-Old Loses Leg in Terrifying Shark Attack

An 11-year-old boy lost his leg in a shark attack at a popular Brazilian beach, but officials say he is now conscious and in stable condition.

An 11-year-old boy suffered devastating injuries after a shark attack at a popular beach in Brazil on Sunday.

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Witness accounts and footage from the scene captured the harrowing aftermath, with the boy reportedly pleading with rescuers not to let him die.

The child sustained severe injuries to the left side of his body and reportedly lost his left leg in the attack.

Shark Attack Leaves Boy Seriously Injured at Brazilian Beach

The incident occurred at around 1:40 p.m. local time at Piedade Beach in Jaboatao dos Guararapes.

According to reports, the shark attacked the boy near his hip while he was in the water.

A group of men rushed into action and pulled the child back to shore, where he appeared motionless as they called for help.

Beachgoers quickly gathered around the injured boy while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

Local media identified the victim as Joao Lucas Castor Nemezio Sales, who had been visiting the beach with his uncle, Aldemir Jose, and two other children.

"We were all in the sea before the attack, and I had just left the water and left the kids in the sea," Jose said after the incident.

"Then I heard a strange noise, and when I turned round, all I could see was blood. I didn't think twice and raced into the water to get my nephew out."

"He was conscious and just kept begging me not to let him die."

Boy Remains Stable After Emergency Surgery

Lifeguards provided emergency treatment at the scene before paramedics from the Mobile Emergency Care Services arrived.

The boy was first transported to the nearby Aeronautics Hospital before being transferred to the larger Hospital da Restauracao for surgery.

According to local reports, he is now conscious and in stable condition.

"Where the boy was attacked, the sign informs that the area is subject to attacks and provides information on when swimming should be avoided," said Executive Secretary of the State Committee for Monitoring Shark Incidents Danise Alves.

Officials said Sunday's attack marked the third shark-related incident recorded in Pernambuco this year.

Earlier this year, a 13-year-old boy died following a shark attack at Del Chifre Beach, located roughly 16 miles north of Jaboatao dos Guararapes.