Tragic Update: 12-Year-Old Boy Fighting for Life After Shark Attack at Popular Beach

A 12-year-old boy who was attacked by a shark at a popular Sydney beach is fighting for his life, according to a fundraiser created by a family friend.

Nico Antic was swimming with friends at a rock-jumping spot near Shark Beach in Vaucluse when he was bitten by what is believed to have been a bull shark. As the situation unfolded, one friend jumped in to assist, while two others managed to pull Nico onto a nearby rock platform. He lost consciousness at the scene.

Nico was then transferred onto a police marine boat, where CPR was performed and tourniquets were applied to his severely injured legs. He was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Nico, who served as a Nipper at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, was placed in an induced coma and underwent surgery. He also received several blood transfusions before arriving at the hospital.

Victor Piñeiro, who describes himself as a “close friend” of the Antic family, shared an update on the fundraiser on Tuesday, writing that despite “all efforts,” the “heartbreaking event has led to the worst possible outcome.” In the message posted to supporters, he said the family is raising funds to help cover upcoming expenses and related arrangements during an extremely difficult time, adding that any contribution—regardless of size—would be deeply appreciated and that all funds will be donated directly to the Antic family.

So far, the fundraiser has raised $65,000.

Reports about Nico’s condition vary slightly. Nine News reported that he is on life support, while sources cited by the Sydney Morning Herald said he is alive but remains in critical condition.

The incident comes amid a series of shark encounters around Sydney. Just a few kilometers away, an 11-year-old boy narrowly avoided serious harm on Monday after a large shark bit into his surfboard and threw him into the water. Steven Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving New South Wales, said the boy was fortunate to escape.

A piece of the damaged surfboard has been sent to New South Wales Fisheries to help identify the shark species involved.

Later the same day, a male swimmer in his 20s was also attacked at Manly Beach and is in critical condition at Royal North Shore Hospital. Authorities have closed all Northern Beaches until further notice. Bull sharks were believed to be responsible for the first two incidents, while the species involved in the third attack has not yet been confirmed. One witness reported seeing a bull shark about 1.5 meters long.