A fatal shark attack in Sydney Harbor has left an Australian family grieving after a 12-year-old boy died from injuries sustained while swimming at a popular cliff-jumping location. Authorities confirmed the incident occurred in a well-known recreation area, raising renewed safety concerns as shark encounters increase across Australia.
The shark attack occurred around 4:20 p.m. on Jan. 18 near Jump Rock, a cliff-jumping spot close to Shark Beach in the eastern Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. Nico Antic jumped from a 20-foot ledge into the water when he was attacked by what police believe was a large shark. He suffered severe injuries to both legs and was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick in critical condition.
Antic’s parents, Lorena and Juan, confirmed Saturday that their son had died after days of intensive medical care. “We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,” they said in a statement. “Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life and that’s how we’ll remember him.”
Police said Antic’s three friends immediately entered the water, pulled him to shore, and called emergency services. First responders provided urgent care before transporting him to the hospital. Local media reported at the time that Antic had lost both legs during the attack.
The family expressed gratitude to first responders, hospital staff, and community members who offered support. A GoFundMe campaign organized by a family friend raised more than $266,000 as of Saturday evening to assist the family.
The incident comes amid a spike in shark encounters across Australia. Dozens of beaches were closed this week following four shark attacks in just a few days. According to Reuters, Australia averages roughly 20 shark attacks each year, with fewer than three resulting in fatalities, making this case particularly tragic.
