A 12-year-old boy attacked by a shark at a popular Sydney beach is fighting for his life, according to a fundraiser set up by a family friend.
One friend tried to help
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 be a bull shark.
One friend jumped in to help, while two others pulled him onto a nearby rock platform, where he had lost consciousness.
He was then moved onto a police marine boat, where CPR was performed and tourniquets applied to his badly injured legs, before being 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. Several blood transfusions were administered before he arrived at the hospital.
Victor Piñeiro, who calls himself a “close friend” of the Antic family, shared an update on the fundraiser Tuesday, writing that despite “all efforts,” this “heartbreaking event has led to the worst possible outcome.”
The full message reads: ”Tragically, their beloved child, Nico, was attacked by a shark on Sunday in Sydney harbor 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 and will help ease the financial burden as they grieve. All funds will be donated to the Antic family.”
$65,000 raised
So far, the fundraiser has raised $65,000.
Reports vary slightly, Nine News says Nico is on life support, while Sydney Morning Herald sources confirm he is alive but remains in critical condition.
This attack comes amid a string of shark incidents around Sydney.
Just a few kilometers away, an 11-year-old boy narrowly escaped death on Monday after a large shark bit a chunk out of his surfboard, tossing him into the water.
Steven Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving New South Wales, said the boy was lucky to survive the attack.
“I have to say that the young boy [today] is extremely lucky to get away with just a chunk out of the board — certainly a terrifying situation and it’s just very fortuitous that he had his father there with him at the same time,” he said.
A piece of the missing board has been sent to New South Wales Fisheries to help identify the shark species.
Later that 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 behind the first two attacks, 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.