The family of the 12-year-old who was attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour are grieving as they contemplate “the worst possible outcome”.
The boy, named as Nico Antic in an online fundraiser, has been fighting for his life after being bitten on both legs on 18 January at a harbour beach in Vaucluse, in Sydney’s east.
Victor Piñeiro, who described himself as “a close friend of the Antic family” on the GoFundMe page, said the boy had sustained “devastating injuries”.
“Despite all efforts, this heartbreaking event has led to the worst possible outcome,” Piñeiro said.
“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 and will help ease the financial burden as they grieve.”
Antic had been in a critical condition since he arrived at Sydney children’s hospital, Randwick, on 18 January.
He remained in hospital care on Wednesday morning. The hospital could not provide an update on his condition.
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The GoFundMe had raised more than $100,000 by late Wednesday morning, and hosted tributes, including from Kate Barley, mother of Khai Cowley, a 15-year-old killed by a shark in 2023.
“From one mum to another, my heart is holding you so tightly,” Barley’s comment read.
“I lost my beautiful boy Khai in a shark attack in South Australia — he was only 15 — and I know how unbearable this waiting and fear can be. Your precious boy is in our thoughts and prayers, and your family is being held with deep love and strength right now.”
Antic was part of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club in the Nippers program and was awarded most improved for under-11 boys in 2024.
He had been swimming near Shark beach at Nielsen park when attacked. His friends rushed to assist him, with at least one jumping into the water to pull him to safety, Supt Joe McNulty of NSW police’s marine area command, said on Monday.
It is believed a bull shark attacked Antic while he was swimming outside the shark net enclosure.
Antic’s injuries were followed by three more shark incidents in New South Wales, thought to be the result of intense weekend rainfall, which flushed dirty water on to the coast and beaches.
On Monday morning, an 11-year-old’s surfboard was bitten multiple times at Dee Why in the city’s north, while that afternoon, a 27-year-old man was bitten while surfing in Manly, less than 5km away.
Nearly 30 Sydney beaches were closed in the wake of the attacks, with swimming events cancelled and experienced surfers afraid to return to the water. Surf Live Saving NSW’s chief executive, Steven Pearce, urged beachgoers to avoid unsafe beaches and “just go to a local pool”.
On Wednesday morning, Sydney Harbour’s swimming enclosures were attracting swimmers who were avoiding open beaches and coves.
Tim Clarke, a retiree from Bronte, had just finished a swim at Nielsen park’s Shark beach enclosure.
“In the netted area today, I couldn’t see more than 3ft ahead – you can see why bull sharks thrive in this environment. I come here every few days and can normally see the bottom.
“I didn’t question the net, I don’t think there has ever been a large shark in it. I’d say it’s 98% safe,” he said.
At Redleaf in Double Bay, Norwegian students Ine Skjelde and Truls Leren had changed their plans, swapping a visit to Manly for the safety of the harbour pool.
“Here I feel safe. We were thinking of going to Shelley beach today but I said no – I want to use the enclosure,” Leren said.
For others, even the enclosures offered little comfort.
Bev, a retiree from Vaucluse who asked for her surname to be withheld, has been swimming at Nielsen park for 40 years.
“Right now, I don’t know when I’m going to swim in the ocean again, which I’m very sad about. It’s awful, I feel very heartbroken,” she said.
“Do I feel we should cull these sharks? It’s their environment.”
A grandmother who did not want to be named was visiting Shark beach with her two toddler grandchildren.
“We’ve come to use the sand and go no more than ankle-deep. It’s the sharks’ natural environment – I respect that it is their habitat and I am very wary.”
