An 11‑year‑old boy suffered severe injuries after being attacked by a shark at a popular beach in Brazil on Sunday. His uncle later shared the boy’s heartbreaking plea as he was pulled from the water.
The child lost his left leg and sustained major injuries to the left side of his body when the shark struck him at the hip at Piedade Beach in Jaboatão dos Guararapes, just south of Recife, around 1:40 p.m. local time.
Footage from the scene shows several men carrying the boy’s limp body toward the shore, shouting for help as the emergency unfolded.
Local media identified the boy as João Lucas Castor Nemezio Sales. He had been at the beach with his uncle, Aldemir José, 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,” José said through tears, recalling the terrifying moment, according to the NY Post. “Then I heard a strange noise, and when I turned around, all I could see was blood. I didn’t think twice — I ran into the water to get my nephew out.”
11‑year‑old boy left ‘begging not to die’ after horrific shark attack
José added, “He was conscious and just kept begging me not to let him die.”
Lifeguards immediately treated the severely injured boy until paramedics arrived. He was rushed to Aeronautics Hospital and later transferred to Hospital da Restauração for surgery.
Local reports say the boy is now in stable condition. The shark species has not yet been identified, though bull, tiger, lemon, and other species are common along the South American east coast.
Fire officials noted that the attack occurred in an area marked by a state warning about increased shark risks, with signs posted along the beach.
“Where the boy was attacked, the sign warns that the area is subject to attacks and explains when swimming should be avoided,” said Danise Alves, Executive Secretary of the State Committee for Monitoring Shark Incidents.
Third shark attack in the state this year
The State Committee for Monitoring Shark Incidents (CEMIT) reported that this was the 83rd recorded shark incident in Pernambuco since 1992 — and the 24th at Piedade Beach.
It was also the third shark attack in the state this year, including the death of a 13‑year‑old boy who was attacked at Del Chifre Beach in Olinda, about 16 miles north of Jaboatão dos Guararapes.
