‘He kept fighting’: Brave friend of shark attack survivor Nico Antic reveals moment he leapt into water to save his mate
Shark attack victim Nico Antic’s friend described the moment he jumped into the water to save his wife; braved danger as the same shark lurked nearby.
Nico, 12, remained in hospital after being bitten by a suspected bull shark while rock jumping with friends at the Hermitage Foreshore Walk near Shark Beach in Vaucluse last Sunday afternoon.
Water Police administered first aid to the child and he was then taken by boat to Rose Bay before being taken to the Children’s Hospital in Randwick.
The terrifying incident was one of four shark attacks to rock NSW during the week; The next day, another shark bit off a piece of the board of an 11-year-old surfer at Dee Why Point.
27-year-old surfer Andre de Ruyter was attacked at Manly Beach at 18:00 the same day.
On Tuesday, Paul Zvirzdinas, 39, was knocked off his board by a suspected shark at Point Plomer, near Port Macquarie.
One of Nico’s friends has since broken his silence about the day of horror and told how he jumped into the water and acted quickly to help drag the 12-year-old to shore.
“He kept fighting and breathing in my arms and didn’t give up for a second,” the friend told 7News.
“He is the most stubborn person I know.”
NSW Police Superintendent Joseph McNulty previously praised the “brave” actions of Nico’s friends in difficult circumstances.
“(They were) very confronting injuries for those kids to see, but I guess that’s friendship,” he said.
On a GoFundMe set up to cover expenses for the Antic family, Victor Piñeiro said Nico suffered “devastating injuries.”
“Despite all efforts, this heartbreaking event led to the worst possible outcome,” Mr. Piñeiro, a friend of the Antic family, said in the description of the fundraiser.
“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, is greatly appreciated and will help alleviate their suffering.”
As of Friday evening, the GoFundMe had raised $224,644 of its $250,000 goal.
Sydney’s Northern Beaches were closed earlier this week due to a spate of shark attacks.
But on Thursday evening the Northern Beaches Council confirmed its beaches would begin reopening on Friday ahead of the Australia Day long weekend.
Mayor Sue Heins said the council was monitoring water conditions closely.
“As always, the number one message to beachgoers is to swim between flags, follow the instructions of our incredible lifeguards and lifeguards, and avoid swimming at dawn and dusk,” he said.
The Department of Primary Industries and Lifesaving NSW has agreed to reopen the Northern Beaches, which includes the return of patrol council and Lifesaving NSW lifeguards, ongoing jet ski patrols, increased aerial surveillance and extra drum lines.
The council said each beach would be assessed individually along with lifeguards.
