Teen left fighting for his life in a coma after being crushed by whale in freak accident

London: Baby whale stuck in River Thames lock

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The freak incident happened during a family fishing trip on Sunday, when the 18-year-old, Nick, and his stepfather, Matthew Price, were fishing from their boat. As they were doing so, a whale breached the water and landed on their vessel just off the coast of Narooma in New South Wales, Australia. Both men were injured by the whale, with Nick having a broken neck and severe head injuries which have left him in a coma at Canberra Hospital.

Mr Price suffered a concussion and cuts to his face, but was able to make a mayday call and navigate the boat back to shore as it started to take on more water.

Carmen Bartley, a family friend, set up a GoFundMe page to help support Nick’s family as they face the coming weeks and months.

She added that the incident happened very unexpectedly as the duo “were doing what they love” when the “freak accident changed the course of their lives forever”.

Ms Bartley also explained that Nick’s family are by his side in Canberra, which is hours away from their home and causing them financial difficulties.

Writing on the GoFundMe fundraiser, Ms Bartley said: “At this stage, we don’t know when he will wake up, or how this has affected his brain.

“Medical expenses will be a burden to them financially.

“Nick comes from a family of extremely hard workers, and they have never asked anyone for help.

“This fundraiser is to try and ease their stress financially at this time, so they can concentrate on Nick.”

According to a statement obtained by 7News, Nick’s family are certain that Mr Price’s actions saved his life but he is unfortunately expected to be in hospital for an extended period of time.

The family said: “Nick is a strong young man and he is fighting hard.”

An investigation into the freak accident has been launched and donations to Nick’s GoFundMe can be made here.

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