A 12-year-old boy, identified as Nico Antic, tragically died on March 25, 2024, after suffering severe injuries from a shark attack at a beach near Sydney. The incident occurred earlier that week when Nico was bitten in both legs by what authorities believe was a large bull shark while jumping from a rock ledge at a popular swimming spot in Vaucluse.
Nico’s parents, Lorena and Juan Antic, confirmed his death in a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief over the loss of their son. The attack has raised alarm among the public, particularly given the recent spike in shark encounters at popular beaches along Australia’s southeastern coast.
Increase in Shark Encounters
The attack on Nico was part of a concerning trend, with four shark encounters reported on the New South Wales coast within a 48-hour timeframe. These incidents included a shark biting a boy’s surfboard and another surfer being injured in a separate attack. On March 26, a surfer was knocked off his board, resulting in hospitalization for minor injuries.
Authorities have attributed this increase in shark activity to recent heavy rainfall and warmer sea temperatures, which have brought more prey and nutrients into coastal waters, drawing sharks closer to shore. In response, officials have closed over a dozen beaches in northern Sydney and urged swimmers and surfers to adhere to safety guidelines.
Response and Aftermath
Emergency services responded promptly to the incident on March 24, receiving a report at 16:15 local time that a boy had been bitten by a shark. According to Superintendent Joe McNulty, commander of the police force’s Marine Area Command, one of Nico’s friends bravely jumped into the water to assist him, while two others helped pull him to safety on the shore.
Upon arrival, officers found Nico unconscious and applied two tourniquets to control the bleeding. They performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as they transported him by boat to shore, where paramedics then took him to a children’s hospital. Giles Buchanan, an ambulance inspector in New South Wales, disclosed that Nico received multiple blood transfusions prior to his arrival at the hospital and underwent surgery before ultimately being declared deceased on March 25.
Officials continue to emphasize the importance of safety measures while swimming or surfing, advising the public to stay close to shore, avoid murky waters, and swim in groups. The New South Wales state government remains vigilant in monitoring shark activity, aiming to ensure the safety of beachgoers during the peak summer season.
