Sydney Boy, 12, Dies After Shark Attack in Harbour While Swimming with Friends
Nico Antic, the 12-year-old boy who was mauled by a shark in Sydney Harbour, has tragically died in hospital after a week-long battle for survival. The incident occurred while he was swimming with his friends at Nielsen Park on Sunday afternoon, around 4.20pm, when he was attacked by what is believed to be a bull shark.
Brave Rescue Efforts and Severe Injuries
Nico suffered serious injuries to both of his legs during the attack. His survival initially was only possible due to the courageous actions of his friends, who bravely dragged him out of the water and onto nearby rocks. This quick thinking provided critical first aid before emergency services arrived.
On Wednesday, his parents, Lorena and Juan, confirmed the devastating news that Nico was brain dead and would not wake up. He was just weeks away from celebrating his 13th birthday, adding to the profound sense of loss felt by his family and community.
Heartbreaking Tributes from Family and Friends
In a heartfelt statement, Nico's family expressed their grief, saying: "We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away. Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life and that’s how we’ll remember him."
They extended sincere thanks to the first responders and the medical teams at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick for their dedicated care. The family also acknowledged the overwhelming support from the community, while requesting privacy during this exceptionally difficult time.
One of Nico's friends, who helped rescue him, shared a poignant account of the moments after the attack. He told media: "He kept fighting and breathing in my arms and he never gave up for a second. He was the most stubborn person I know and I’m grateful I was there for his last moments awake."
The friend described a brief moment when Nico regained consciousness while bleeding, looking at him before slipping away, highlighting the boy's fierce determination to survive.
Recent Spike in Shark Attacks in the Area
This tragic event is part of a concerning trend, as it was not the only shark attack reported in the region recently. Shortly after Nico was rushed to hospital, a 38-year-old surfer suffered a wound to his chest in what was the fourth shark attack in just 48 hours. Medics confirmed the injury occurred while surfing on Tuesday morning.
These incidents have raised alarms about shark activity in Sydney Harbour and surrounding waters, prompting discussions on safety measures and public awareness.
The loss of Nico Antic has left a deep impact, reminding us of the unpredictable dangers of marine environments and the importance of community support in times of tragedy.
