‘Worst possible outcome’: Heartbreaking detail as family of shark attack victim Nico Antic rally around mauled 12yo
The family of a teenage boy who was one of four people injured in horror shark attacks across NSW are bracing for the “worst possible outcome” as their child fights for his life in hospital.
Nico Antic, 12, was attacked by a bull shark at the Hermitage Foreshore Walk near Shark Beach in Vaucluse on Sunday afternoon.
He was bitten while jumping off a 6-meter rock with his friends at a popular place around 16.20; His friends intervened to bring him to the surface.
Nico’s remains were transported by boat to Rose Bay before being taken to the Children’s Hospital in Randwick, where he remained in a critical condition.
Antics’ family friend, Victor Piñeiro, said the “heartbreaking” incident had led to the “worst possible outcome” for the family.
“We are raising funds to help the Antic family cover upcoming expenses and related regulations during this incredibly difficult time,” Mr. Piñeiro said on the GoFundMe set up for the Antic family.
“Any contribution, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated and will help alleviate their suffering.”
A man is in a critical condition after being bitten in the calf by a shark at Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Shortly after the devastating attack, an 11-year-old boy made a lucky escape after being thrown off his surfboard by a shark on the Northern Beaches.
The young surfer was on his board at Dee Why beach shortly before noon on Monday when he was attacked by a 1.5m bull shark, which took most of his board.
Luckily, the child was not seriously injured in the incident and was taken to shore with the help of his father.
Man in critical condition in third shark attack
The 27-year-old surfer became the third victim of shark incidents along the coast after he was attacked at Manly beach on Monday evening.
Andre de Ruyter, a local musician and surfer from Wollongong, was dragged underwater by a bull shark while off North Steyne at around 6.20pm on Monday.
The surfer was pulled back to shore by two nearby swimmers, who applied rope to his legs as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
When paramedics arrived, he went into cardiac arrest and lost a significant amount of blood.
Mr Pearce said lifeguards were receiving CPR training at the time of the incident.
Four shark attacks in 48 hours
A 39-year-old man was transported to Kempsey Hospital after being thrown off his board by a shark at a beach at Point Plomer, near Port Macquarie, on Tuesday morning.
He suffered minor leg injuries and was transported to Kempsey Hospital in a stable condition.
Steve Pearce, CEO of NSW Surf Life Saving, told 2GB that the 39-year-old was lucky to escape the shark’s jaws.
“There were many sharks in the water but fortunately the surfer only suffered minor leg injuries,” he said.
Suspicious bull shark in Cronulla
Sydneysiders urged to stay away from beaches until further notice
The sea has turned brackish as heavy rains hit Sydney at the weekend – a mixture of fresh and salt water usually found where the river meets the sea – creating “primary conditions for bull shark activity”.
As the state deals with a spate of shark attacks along the coast, authorities have urged locals to stay out of the waters until further notice.
Mr Pearce said the number of shark attacks over three days was “unprecedented”.
Authorities closed the Northern Beaches coastline for at least 48 hours; helicopters are monitoring 10 beaches along the coast to watch for more shark activity.
“The beaches are closed,” Mr Pearce said.
“Beaches are unsafe under these conditions. We ask people to please ensure your own personal safety.”
Following Tuesday’s shark attack, the National Parks and Wildlife Service also closed beaches between Queens Head and Big Hill on either side of Point Plomer, with drones deployed to the area.
