Archie Blake, an 11-year-old boy from Hobart, was snorkelling with his mum Hazel off the Western Australian coast this weekend when a shark attacked him.
The attack took place around 3 pm on Saturday near the Kurrajong campsite, 1300 km north of Perth, leaving him with severe lacerations on his left leg.
Archie was immediately taken to Perth’s hospital by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where he underwent surgery.
He is expected to undergo additional surgeries for his muscle damage, and there were also teeth marks on his femur, indicating the shark’s brutal attack.
The family had been planning this “trip of a lifetime” for years, and after the incident, they may be stranded in Western Australia for weeks.
Archie’s father Kieren is a paramedic, while his mother Hazel is a teacher at South Hobart Primary School.
Hobart councillor Ryan Posselt, who knew the family, set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for their accommodation, travel, and rehab expenses.
“Let’s give them some community love to get them through this rough patch,” Posselt said.
If you would like to donate to Archie’s cause, visit bit.ly/3Vil4mE.
