A tragic incident occurred near Sydney when a 12-year-old boy, Nico Antic, died on March 31, 2024, following a shark attack at a beach in Vaucluse. The boy was reportedly bitten in both legs by a large shark, believed to be a bull shark, after he jumped from a popular 20-foot rock ledge. This attack is part of a concerning trend, as it marks the first of four shark encounters along the New South Wales coast within a short span of 48 hours.
Nico’s parents, Lorena and Juan Antic, confirmed their son’s death in a heartfelt statement. The incident has intensified concerns regarding shark activity in Australian waters, particularly during the peak summer season when such encounters are more frequent, although serious attacks remain rare.
Authorities reported that the attack on Nico took place on Sunday afternoon. Shortly after, police received an emergency call at 16:15 local time about the incident. According to Superintendent Joe McNulty of the police force’s Marine Area Command, one of Nico’s friends bravely jumped into the water to rescue him. Two other friends assisted in bringing him to shore. Upon arrival, officers found Nico unconscious and quickly applied two tourniquets to stem the bleeding from his legs.
Emergency responders, including Giles Buchanan, an ambulance inspector in New South Wales, stated that Nico received multiple blood transfusions during transport and underwent surgery once at the hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries later that day.
Within a 48-hour timeframe, the New South Wales coast experienced three additional shark encounters. On the following day, a shark bit a boy’s surfboard, and shortly thereafter, another surfer was bitten on the leg. On Tuesday, a surfer was knocked off his board, requiring hospitalization for minor injuries. In response to these events, authorities closed over a dozen beaches in northern Sydney.
Shark encounters typically increase during summer months, but experts have noted that recent heavy rainfall and warmer temperatures have altered coastal ecosystems, bringing sharks closer to shore by attracting prey and nutrients. Officials from New South Wales have urged swimmers and surfers to heed beach closure notices and exercise caution. They recommend staying close to shore, avoiding murky waters, and swimming or surfing with companions.
As investigations continue, the tragedy of Nico Antic serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters, even in recreational settings. The community mourns the loss of a young life, while officials emphasize the importance of safety awareness among beachgoers.
