Tragic Update After Shark Attack on 12-Year-Old at Beach

A 12-year-old boy who was attacked by a shark at a well-known Sydney beach is now fighting for his life, according to information shared through a fundraiser created by a close family friend.

The boy, Nico Antic, was swimming with friends at a popular rock-jumping area near Shark Beach in Vaucluse when he was bitten by what authorities believe was a bull shark.

Friends Rushed to Help

When the attack occurred, one of Nico’s friends immediately jumped into the water to assist him, while two others managed to pull him onto a nearby rock platform. By that time, Nico had lost consciousness.

Emergency responders moved him onto a police marine vessel, where officers performed CPR and applied tourniquets to his severely injured legs. He was then rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Nico, who was a Nipper with the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, was placed into an induced coma and underwent emergency surgery. He received multiple blood transfusions before reaching the hospital.

Heartbreaking Fundraiser Update

Victor Piñeiro, who described himself as a close friend of the Antic family, shared a somber update on the fundraiser page on Tuesday. He wrote that despite every effort to save him, the incident had resulted in “the worst possible outcome.”

“Tragically, their beloved child, Nico, was attacked by a shark on Sunday in Sydney Harbour and suffered devastating injuries,” the statement read. “Despite all efforts, this heartbreaking event has led to the worst possible outcome.”

The fundraiser aims to help the family with medical, logistical, and related expenses during this devastating time. As of now, more than $65,000 has been raised for the Antic family.

Conflicting Reports on Condition

Media reports differ slightly regarding Nico’s condition. Nine News reported that he is currently on life support, while sources cited by The Sydney Morning Herald confirm that he is still alive but remains in critical condition.

Series of Shark Incidents Raise Alarm

Nico’s attack is part of a troubling series of shark encounters along Sydney’s coastline.

Just kilometers away, an 11-year-old boy narrowly survived a shark encounter on Monday after a large shark bit a significant chunk out of his surfboard, throwing him into the water. Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce said the boy was extremely fortunate.

“He was incredibly lucky to escape with just damage to his board,” Pearce said. “It was a terrifying situation, and it helped that his father was nearby at the time.”

A fragment of the damaged surfboard has been sent to New South Wales Fisheries for analysis to help identify the shark species involved.

Later that same day, a man in his 20s was also attacked while swimming at Manly Beach and remains in critical condition at Royal North Shore Hospital.

Beaches Closed as Investigation Continues

Authorities have since closed all Northern Beaches until further notice. Bull sharks are believed to have been responsible for the first two attacks, while the species involved in the third incident has yet to be confirmed. One witness reported seeing a bull shark approximately 1.5 meters long in the area.

Officials continue to monitor the situation as investigations and safety measures remain ongoing.