What began as a carefree afternoon for 12-year-old Nico Antic ended in a devastating accident at Sydney Harbour.
Nico, a lively and talented young athlete, was jumping into the water from a six-metre rock ledge at Nielsen Park in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Sunday around 4:20 pm when he was attacked by what is believed to be a bull shark.
Both of Nico’s legs were gravely injured during the attack.
He survived the immediate danger thanks to one of his five friends, who bravely jumped in and pulled him onto the rocks while the shark circled nearby.
Despite early reports claiming Nico had died, his family has confirmed that he remains alive in hospital, though he is brain-dead and will not regain consciousness.
A Talented Boy Remembered
Family and friends describe Nico as a vibrant, sporty boy who could always lift people’s spirits.
“He is a sporty kid and never fails to put a smile on people’s faces,” a close relative said.
“He is loved by many friends and family.”
In the wake of the tragedy, family friend Victor Pineiro set up a fundraiser to help the family cover medical and related expenses. Social media has been flooded with messages of support.
Goal Soccer Academy, where Nico had trained for seven years, remembered him as a dedicated player who represented the club in tournaments including the Sydney International Cup.
A Spate of Shark Attacks Hits NSW
Nico’s attack was just the first in a series of four shark incidents along New South Wales’ coastline over three days.
On Monday, an 11-year-old boy at Dee Why Beach was knocked off his surfboard by a shark but escaped uninjured.
That same evening, 27-year-old surfer Andre de Ruyter was mauled by a bull shark at North Steyne Beach in Manly, suffering critical injuries that required massive blood transfusions.
Remarkably, Andre has since made a dramatic recovery, with his family expressing gratitude for the emergency responders and medical staff who treated him.
A 39-year-old surfer at Point Plomer on the NSW Mid North Coast also encountered a shark, which damaged his board and wetsuit but left him relatively unharmed.
Lifeguards and local authorities immediately responded, issuing shark warnings, closing beaches, and deploying drones and jet skis to monitor shark activity.
Safety Concerns and Warnings
Authorities have warned that murky water and heavy rainfall created dangerous conditions that contributed to the attacks.
“Extra fresh water in the harbour after recent heavy rain, combined with splashing from people jumping off rocks, created a perfect storm for the shark attack,” Superintendent Joseph McNulty explained.
NSW Police have advised against swimming in the harbour or other river systems until conditions improve.
Northern Beaches Council confirmed that all beaches in affected areas remain closed, with ongoing reviews depending on water clarity and shark sightings.
Heavy swells have also hindered the operation of smart drumlines, which track shark movements along the NSW coast.
Community Rallies Around Nico’s Family
Nico’s family is now faced with the heart-wrenching reality of saying goodbye to their son, with extended relatives traveling from overseas to be with him.
Friends have taken to social media to raise funds and support the family during this unimaginably difficult time.
“My heart hurts,” wrote one close friend, sharing a fundraising link.
Another added, “Please donate. This is a family I know, and they are going through an unimaginably hard time.”
The Bigger Picture
Experts note that bull shark activity peaks in Sydney waters during January and February, putting swimmers and surfers at heightened risk.
Lifeguards and Surf Life Saving NSW continue to monitor beaches closely, deploying drones and issuing safety alerts to the public.
Authorities stress the importance of avoiding low-visibility water and exercising caution along coastlines during this period.
Nico’s story is a sobering reminder of how quickly a joyful day at the beach can turn tragic.
While the community mourns, it also stands together, supporting his family and raising awareness of the dangers present in local waters.
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