Sydney Shark Attack: Boy, 12, Dies After Tragic Incident

A 12-year-old boy has died after being attacked by a shark while swimming with friends at a Sydney beach. Nico Antic sustained critical leg injuries in the attack at Vaucluse on Sunday and passed away on Saturday, almost a week later.

Shark Attacks in New South Wales Raise Safety Concerns

Nico’s parents, Lorena and Juan, said in a statement they were “heartbroken” by the loss of their son, describing him as a “happy, friendly and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit.” They thanked first responders and staff at Sydney Children’s Hospital for their care, as well as the community for their support.

The Antic family had been preparing for the “worst possible outcome” after learning the extent of Nico’s injuries. A family friend established a fundraiser that has collected more than $238,000.

Authorities have determined a bull shark was responsible for the attack, which occurred after Nico jumped from a rock ledge along Hermitage Foreshore Walk near Shark Beach.

This tragedy was the first of four shark bites within three days in New South Wales, prompting widespread concern and beach closures. Other incidents occurred at Sydney’s Dee Why and Manly beaches, and at Point Plomer on the mid-north coast, where a man was hospitalized with a chest wound.

The incidents follow a fatal shark attack on Mercury Psillakis, 57, at Long Reef beach in September.

Despite the recent spate of attacks, all New South Wales beaches were expected to be open for the Australia Day long weekend. The state’s shark management program received a $2.5 million boost in December and includes SMART drumlines and drone patrols at 50 beaches during school holidays. The program also features 37 tagged shark listening stations that provide alerts when a white, bull, or tiger shark comes within 500 metres.