A relaxing Saturday afternoon on the shores of Cook Esplanade in Queensland turned into a scene of horror when a 14-year-old boy was mauled by a shark, according to ABC News.

The teenager had just entered the water when the shark struck, biting him in the chest and inflicting severe injuries. Witnesses rushed to help, applying first aid as the boy suffered major blood loss and damage to his abdomen and internal organs. Their quick actions were credited with saving his life.

Paramedics transported the teen to Thursday Island Hospital for emergency treatment before he was airlifted to Townsville University Hospital in North Queensland. Doctors there performed urgent surgery to address the life-threatening wounds.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the species of shark involved, though experts note that great white shark encounters, while uncommon, do occur along Australia’s northern coastline.