12-Year-Old Boy Critically Injured in Shark Attack at Sydney Harbour Beach

A 12-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being attacked by a shark at a popular Sydney harbour swimming spot, according to a fundraiser launched by a close family friend.

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The boy, identified as Nico Antic, was swimming with friends near a rock-jumping area close to Shark Beach when he was bitten by what authorities believe was a bull shark.

Friends’ Quick Actions at the Scene

Witnesses say one of Nico’s friends immediately jumped into the water to help, while two others managed to pull him onto a nearby rock platform. By that stage, Nico had lost consciousness.

Emergency responders transported him onto a police marine vessel, where officers and paramedics 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 junior lifesaver (Nipper) with North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, was placed into an induced coma and underwent emergency surgery. Multiple blood transfusions were administered before and after his arrival at hospital.

Fundraiser Update Raises Grave Fears

A GoFundMe page set up by family friend Victor Piñeiro shared a devastating update on Tuesday. In his message, Piñeiro wrote that despite “all efforts,” 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 sustained devastating injuries. Despite all efforts, this heartbreaking event has led to the worst possible outcome.

We are raising funds to help the Antic family cover upcoming expenses and related arrangements during this incredibly difficult time. Any contribution, no matter the size, would be deeply appreciated.”

As of the latest update, the fundraiser has raised approximately $65,000 to support the family.

However, there remains some uncertainty around Nico’s condition. Nine News reports that he is currently on life support, while sources cited by Sydney Morning Herald say he is alive but remains in a critical state.

Series of Shark Incidents Across Sydney

The attack comes amid a worrying string of shark incidents across Sydney’s coastline.

Just kilometres away, an 11-year-old boy narrowly avoided serious injury on Monday when a large shark bit a chunk out of his surfboard, throwing him into the water. His father was nearby at the time, helping him escape unharmed.

Steven Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving New South Wales, said the boy was extremely fortunate.

“He is extremely lucky to get away with just a chunk out of the board — it’s a terrifying situation, and very fortuitous that his father was there at the same time.”

Fragments of the damaged surfboard have been sent to NSW Fisheries to assist with identifying the shark species involved.

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

Beaches Closed as Investigation Continues

Authorities have closed all Northern Beaches until further notice. Bull sharks are believed to be responsible for the first two attacks, while the species involved in the Manly incident has not yet been confirmed. One witness reported seeing a bull shark approximately 1.5 metres long in the water.

The incidents have sparked renewed concern about marine safety in Sydney’s harbour and coastal areas, as communities rally around the affected families during an unfolding tragedy.