A teenager is fighting for life following a shark attack in the Torres Strait Islands.

Authorities say the 14-year-old was fishing from a wharf on Thursday Island and jumped into the water near Cook Esplanade about 6:30pm on Saturday when he was bitten on the torso.

People who witnessed the attack helped the teenager to shore.

He suffered significant blood loss, life-threatening injuries to his abdomen and internal organs and was taken to Thursday Island Hospital before being flown to Townsville.

A Townsville University Hospital spokesperson said he remains in a critical condition.

Premier David Crisafulli said he had been briefed on the incident today and wished the boy a full recovery.

"It's obviously very traumatic for the individual, for the family, for the first responders, for

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