Tragic Death of 12-Year-Old Shark Attack Victim Sparks Community Grief in Sydney

Mon Feb 02 2026 19:13:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The sudden loss of a young boy, who was attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour, reignites discussions on water safety amid increased shark activity on Australia’s east coast.

Nico Antic, a 12-year-old boy, has tragically died from injuries sustained in a shark attack while swimming with friends in Sydney Harbour. The attack, believed to be by a bull shark, highlights the rising occurrence of shark attacks along Australia’s coastline. The community has shown support for Nico's family through fundraising efforts. Following recent rainfall, experts suggest that conditions may have heightened shark activity in the region.

A young boy who was bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbour last week has died in hospital.

Twelve-year-old Nico Antic had been jumping off a rock ledge with friends on January 18 when he was attacked by what authorities suspected was a bull shark.

We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico has passed away, his parents Lorena and Juan said in a statement.

The incident was one of four reported shark attacks along the New South Wales coast over two days.

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, his family, originally from Argentina, added.

Nico's friends were praised for their bravery after jumping into the water to help him after the attack. Unfortunately, he suffered serious leg injuries and was taken to Sydney Children's Hospital in critical condition, where he underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma.

An online fundraiser set up for Nico's family has raised $240,000 (£121,308).

There has been a spate of reported shark attacks along Australia's east coast in the past week, with three incidents in Sydney. One surfer managed to escape a shark attack without injury, while another man, 27, suffered life-changing injuries.

This rise in attacks is attributed to several factors, including recent heavy rain, which experts suggest creates a perfect storm for bull sharks due to increased nutrient flow into the water, drawing them closer to shore.

In response to this heightened risk, beaches across Sydney were closed for public safety but have since reopened for the Australia Day public holiday weekend.