A 12-year-old boy who was mauled by a shark in Sydney Harbour has died from his injuries, his family confirmed on Saturday. Nico Antic was attacked near Shark Beach at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse while jumping off rocks with friends last Sunday.
He suffered severe injuries to both legs and was rushed to a children's hospital in Randwick, where he was placed in an induced coma after surgery. Despite medical efforts, he passed away. His family described him as a happy, friendly, and sporty boy with a generous spirit.
A family friend launched an online fundraiser to help cover expenses. Police believe a bull shark, a species that inhabits murky, brackish waters, was responsible. The attack occurred at 4.20pm along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, a popular coastal path.
Two similar incidents followed within 24 hours: an 11-year-old boy escaped unharmed after a shark bit his surfboard at Dee Why Beach, and a man was left in critical condition after being bitten at Manly Beach. Authorities closed a dozen beaches as a precaution.
New South Wales police warned against swimming in the harbour and nearby rivers due to poor water visibility from recent rain, which may have created conditions conducive to shark attacks. Heavy swell prevented the deployment of smart drumlines for shark detection.
Australia has recorded 23 fatal shark attacks since 2020, though experts emphasise the risk remains low relative to the number of people entering the ocean annually.
