A 12-year-old boy tragically died on March 31, 2024, after suffering severe injuries from a shark attack at a beach near Sydney. The victim, identified as Nico Antic, was bitten in both legs by a large shark while swimming at Vaucluse, a suburb known for its scenic beaches. The incident has raised alarm as Australia witnesses a series of shark interactions during the busy summer season.
The attack occurred on Sunday afternoon when Nico jumped from a popular rock ledge measuring approximately 20 feet. Authorities believe that he was attacked by a bull shark. His parents, Lorena and Juan Antic, confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement, prompting widespread condolences and concern over shark safety.
This incident was part of a concerning trend, marking the first of four shark encounters along the New South Wales coast within a 48-hour timeframe. On the following day, a shark bit a boy’s surfboard just a few miles away, and another surfer sustained a leg injury from a shark bite. Additionally, a surfer was knocked off his board and required hospitalization for minor injuries on Tuesday. In response to these attacks, officials closed more than a dozen beaches in northern Sydney for safety reasons.
During the summer months, shark encounters typically increase, but actual attacks remain rare in Australia. Recent research indicates that heavy rainfall and warmer water temperatures may be attracting sharks closer to shore by providing them with an abundance of prey. Authorities in New South Wales have urged swimmers and surfers to adhere to beach closure notices and exercise caution, including avoiding murky water and staying close to shore.
On that fateful day, police received a distress call at 16:15, reporting that a boy had been bitten by a shark. One of Nico’s friends bravely jumped into the water to rescue him while two others assisted in bringing him to shore. Superintendent Joe McNulty, commander of the police force’s Marine Area Command, provided details about the rescue efforts during a press conference. Officers found Nico unconscious and applied two tourniquets to control the bleeding from his legs. They performed CPR as they transported him by boat to shore, where paramedics awaited to rush him to a nearby children’s hospital.
Ambulance inspector Giles Buchanan confirmed that Nico received multiple blood transfusions upon arrival at the hospital and underwent surgery due to the critical nature of his injuries. Despite the medical team’s efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday afternoon.
The tragic loss of Nico Antic has shocked the local community and heightened discussions about beach safety and shark encounters. As summer continues, authorities remain vigilant, encouraging the public to take necessary precautions while enjoying the ocean.
