The family of a teenage boy attacked by a shark say they are grateful for the "outpouring of community support" as he recovers from critical injuries.

The 14-year-old was fishing with friends near Cook Esplanade on Thursday Island just before 6:30pm on Saturday when the shark bit his torso, authorities say.

He was taken to Thursday Island Hospital and then flown for emergency surgery at Townsville University Hospital, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

In a statement, the teen's family said they were "grateful for the excellent care he is receiving from the doctors and nurses at Townsville University Hospital".

"We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who came to his aid, from the first responders to the medical teams who transported him and the healthcare

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