A 12-year-old boy, Nico Antic, has died in hospital after being mauled by a shark in Sydney Harbour last week, his family confirmed, marking a tragic outcome in a recent spate of shark incidents along Australia’s east coast. The attack occurred on 18 January when Nico was jumping off rocks with friends at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse, and he suffered severe leg injuries from what authorities suspect was a bull shark.
Nico’s friends demonstrated immediate bravery by jumping into the water to pull him to safety after the attack. He was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, where he underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma. Despite intensive medical care, his condition remained critical until his passing was announced by his parents, Lorena and Juan, who described him as a happy, sporty boy with a kind and generous spirit. The family expressed deep gratitude for the efforts of first responders and hospital staff.
An online fundraiser has raised over $240,000 to support Nico’s family, with tributes pouring in from the community, including from the mother of another shark attack victim. Nico was an active member of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club and had been swimming outside the shark net enclosure at the time of the attack. His death has left the local community in mourning, with many expressing shock and sadness over the loss of a young life.
This tragedy is part of a concerning spike in shark attacks along the New South Wales coast, with four incidents reported in just 48 hours. Following Nico’s attack, an 11-year-old surfer at Dee Why had his board bitten, a 27-year-old man suffered life-changing injuries at Manly, and a 39-year-old man was bitten at Point Plomer on the mid-north coast. Experts have linked this increase to heavy rainfall, which has created murky water conditions ideal for bull sharks.
The rainfall flushed nutrients into the ocean, drawing sharks closer to shore and reducing visibility for both sharks and swimmers. Authorities responded by closing nearly 30 Sydney beaches to protect the public, though many have since reopened for the Australia Day long weekend. However, Manly beach was closed again after a shark sighting, highlighting ongoing risks and the need for continued vigilance.
New South Wales has enhanced its shark management program with a $2.5 million investment in December, including SMART drumlines and drone patrols at key beaches during school holidays. These measures aim to balance public safety with environmental conservation, as shark attacks remain rare but traumatic events. The police are preparing a report for the coroner to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nico’s death.
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters in coastal areas and the importance of following safety guidelines. As Sydney residents grapple with fear, authorities emphasize heeding beach closures during adverse conditions and staying informed about local shark activity. The community’s support for Nico’s family reflects a collective effort to cope with such tragedies, while experts continue to monitor environmental factors that may influence shark behavior.
