In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 12-year-old boy has tragically lost his life after being attacked by a shark while swimming in Sydney Harbour. Nico Antic, a member of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, was enjoying a day at the beach with friends last Sunday when the incident occurred.
According to authorities, Nico had been jumping from rocks into the harbour when a shark, believed to be a bull shark, suddenly struck, biting him on both legs. His friends immediately rushed to his aid, with at least one of them jumping into the water to pull Nico to safety.
Nico was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital in critical condition, but despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. In a heartbreaking statement, Nico’s parents, Lorena and Juan, described their son as a “happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit.”
The community has rallied around Nico’s family, with a GoFundMe campaign raising nearly $240,000 to support them during this difficult time. Among the tributes was a message from Kate Barley, the mother of Khai Cowley, a 15-year-old who was killed by a shark in South Australia in 2023.
“From one mum to another, my heart is holding you so tightly,” Barley’s comment read. “I lost my beautiful boy Khai in a shark attack in South Australia — he was only 15 — and I know how unbearable this waiting and fear can be. Your precious boy is in our thoughts and prayers, and your family is being held with deep love and strength right now.”
The tragic incident was the first of four shark attacks along the New South Wales coast within a 48-hour period. Experts have linked the spike in activity to intense rainfall, which flushed dirty water onto the coast and beaches, potentially attracting sharks closer to shore.
In the wake of the attacks, nearly 30 Sydney beaches were closed, and swimming events were cancelled. While all beaches have since reopened, Manly beach was closed again on Saturday after a shark sighting.
The New South Wales government’s shark management program, which received a $2.5 million boost in December, includes the deployment of SMART drumlines and drone patrols at 50 beaches during school holidays to help mitigate the risk of such incidents.
Nico’s tragic passing has left his family, friends, and the broader community in mourning. As they grieve this devastating loss, the focus remains on supporting the Antic family and ensuring the safety of beachgoers in the region.