The family of a 12-year-old boy who was brutally attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour has issued a devastating update on his critical condition, revealing the tragic extent of his injuries following the horrific incident.
Details of the Sydney Harbour Shark Attack
The young victim, identified in Australian media reports as Nico Antic, was enjoying time with friends at the ironically named Shark Beach in Sydney Harbour on Sunday when the attack occurred. According to eyewitness accounts, the group were leaping from rocks at the far end of the beach when Nico was suddenly set upon by what marine experts believe was a bull shark.
Emergency services responded to the scene within minutes and have since praised the courageous actions of Nico's friends, who bravely entered the water to drag him to safety. The critically injured boy was immediately transported to Sydney Children's Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery on Sunday evening.
Family's Heartbreaking Medical Update
Nico's relatives have now shared the bleak prognosis with the Daily Mail, confirming that the young boy has remained in a coma since the devastating attack. His sister, Sophie, expressed the family's profound anguish, revealing that Nico is "still asleep, but will not be able to make it because his brain is completely unresponsive."
She added: "He is a sporty kid and never fails to put a smile on people's faces. He is loved by many friends and family."
Medical staff confirmed that both of Nico's legs sustained serious injuries during the mauling, with surgeons doing everything possible to save the youngster during the emergency procedure.
Community Support Through GoFundMe Campaign
The heartbreaking news comes just one day after family friend Victor Piñeiro launched a GoFundMe appeal to support the Antic family during this unimaginably difficult period. In a sombre update posted on Tuesday alongside the fundraising campaign, Piñeiro wrote: "Despite all efforts, this heartbreaking event has led to the worst possible outcome."
He continued: "We are raising funds to help the Antic family cover upcoming expenses and related arrangements during this incredibly difficult time."
The community response has been overwhelming, with approximately 1,700 people contributing to the family's cause. As of 2.30pm local time, the campaign had raised just over AUD$122,000 (approximately £61,000), demonstrating significant public support for the grieving family.
Series of Shark Attacks Across New South Wales
Nico's attack marked the beginning of a concerning series of five shark maulings that have occurred in the days since he was admitted to hospital. Swimming locations on New South Wales' northern beaches were closed yesterday to both surfers and swimmers for 48 hours following a separate incident where a 39-year-old man became the fourth person attacked since Sunday.
On Monday, a 27-year-old man sustained critical, life-changing injuries after being bitten at North Steyne Beach in Manly, on Sydney's northern beaches. NSW Police confirmed the victim remains in critical condition following surgery. In another separate incident on Monday, a surfer escaped unharmed after a shark took a chunk out of his surfboard at Dee Why Beach on NSW's northern beaches.
Expert Warnings About Current Conditions
Shark experts have issued serious warnings about current conditions in New South Wales, where warm ocean temperatures and murky water resulting from recent storms are creating an ideal environment for increased bull shark activity.
Steve Pearce, the chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, told Australian national broadcaster ABC: "Anytime after a big weather event there's always going to be a lot of run-off and out flow of creeks into the ocean and river mouths. We really strongly advocate that nobody swim or surf near river mouths because it's obviously an area where sharks congregate. If it's dirty water I'd think twice about going in there."
Pearce further emphasised the seriousness of the situation, adding: "We have such poor water quality that's conducive to bull shark activity ... [so] just go to a local pool, because at this stage, we're advising that the beaches are unsafe."
The series of attacks has prompted authorities to reassess safety measures and public warnings regarding beach activities during current environmental conditions.
