A 12-year-old boy mauled by a shark in Sydney Harbour has died in hospital, almost a week after the attack.
Nico Antic was swimming with friends near Shark Beach at Nielsen Park on January 18 when he was attacked by a suspected bull shark.
In a statement released on Saturday, Nico’s parents, Lorena and Juan, said they were “heartbroken” to share the news of their son’s passing.
They said: “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.
“We would like to sincerely thank the first responders and the teams at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick for everything they did to care for Nico.
“We would also like to thank everyone in the community for their support and kind messages. We ask you to please respect our privacy during this exceptionally difficult time.”
Nico was attacked about 4.20pm after jumping from a rock ledge during the swim.
One of his friends dived into the water to help him, while two others pulled him onto a nearby rock platform, where he lost consciousness.
Water police arrived within minutes and applied tourniquets to Nico’s severely injured legs before performing CPR as they rushed him to Rose Bay ferry wharf.
Paramedics then took him to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.
Nico underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma but later died from his injuries.
On Wednesday, children gathered at the rock ledge to lay flowers in his memory.
Nico was a nipper at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club and was awarded most improved under-11 boys competitor in 2024.
The attack was the first of four shark incidents in the Sydney region over 48 hours.
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