Boy, 13, mauled to death by rampaging shark in brutal attack at touris | World | News

A 13-year-old boy bled to death after being bitten on the thigh in a sickening shark attack off a Brazilian beach. Deivson Rocha Dantas was playing with friends at a popular beach on the east coast of the South American country when a shark appeared and attacked him from behind.

The tragic incident occurred off Chifre beach in Brazil’s tourist center Pernambuco. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene as the attack took place in shallow waters, a common occurrence in this region known for its lively carnival celebrations and unfortunately has a history of such incidents.

Deivson was quickly pulled from the water and taken to a nearby hospital in Olinda, but succumbed to massive blood loss shortly after arrival.

Medical authorities confirmed the cause of death, noting the rapid and lethal nature of the injuries.

Pernambuco has long been a hotspot for shark encounters; Since 1992, 82 attacks have been recorded in the state, 27 of which were fatal. Although the species of shark has not been confirmed, both tiger and bull sharks are common in the seas around Pernambuco.

This latest tragedy has led to renewed calls for better security measures in a region that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

In response, the State Committee for Monitoring Shark Incidents (CEMIT) vowed to intensify surveillance efforts and revive a program to track sharks via microchips.

Officials hope these steps will reduce future risks, but experts say urban development and overfishing may be driving sharks closer to shore.

This comes on the heels of another heartbreaking death of a child in a shark attack.

Just a few days earlier, on January 24, 2026, 12-year-old Nico Antic died in hospital after being injured by a suspected bull shark in Sydney Harbour, Australia.

Nico was jumping off the rocks into the water at Jump Rock, near Vaucluse, when the attack occurred on January 18, causing serious injuries to his legs.

His friends heroically saved him, but he died despite intensive care. Nico’s family expressed their deep sorrow and described him as having “the most kind and generous soul”.

The consecutive losses highlight an alarming increase in shark-human interactions worldwide and require greater awareness and preventive strategies to protect vulnerable swimmers.

THIS IS BREAKING NEWS AND IS CONSTANTLY UPDATED…