Key Takeaways:
- A 12-year-old boy, Nico Antic, was attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour and is fighting for his life
- The boy sustained devastating injuries and his family is grieving as they contemplate the worst possible outcome
- A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Antic family cover expenses and has raised over $100,000
- There have been multiple shark incidents in New South Wales, including four attacks in one week, which has led to the closure of nearly 30 beaches
- The shark attacks have left beachgoers afraid to return to the water, with many opting for safer alternatives such as harbour pools
Introduction to the Incident
The family of 12-year-old Nico Antic is grieving as they contemplate the worst possible outcome after he was attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour. The boy, who was bitten on both legs, has been fighting for his life since the incident occurred on January 18 at a harbour beach in Vaucluse, in Sydney’s east. According to Victor Piñeiro, a close friend of the Antic family, Nico sustained "devastating injuries" and the family is in need of support during this difficult time. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family cover upcoming expenses and related arrangements, and has raised over $100,000 so far.
The Aftermath of the Attack
Nico has been in a critical condition since he arrived at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, on January 18. Despite the efforts of medical staff, his condition remains critical, and the hospital has not provided an update on his status. The GoFundMe page has hosted tributes from well-wishers, including Kate Barley, the mother of Khai Cowley, a 15-year-old who was killed by a shark in 2023. Barley expressed her sympathy for the Antic family, saying "from one mum to another, my heart is holding you so tightly" and that she knows "how unbearable this waiting and fear can be".
The Shark Attacks in New South Wales
Nico’s attack was followed by three more shark incidents in New South Wales, which are thought to be the result of intense weekend rainfall that flushed dirty water onto the coast and beaches. On January 19, an 11-year-old surfer had a chunk taken out of his board by a shark at Dee Why, while a 27-year-old man was bitten while surfing in Manly, less than 5km away. Nearly 30 Sydney beaches were closed in the wake of the attacks, with swimming events cancelled and experienced surfers afraid to return to the water. Surf Life Saving NSW’s chief executive, Steven Pearce, urged beachgoers to avoid unsafe beaches and "just go to a local pool".
The Impact on Beachgoers
The shark attacks have left beachgoers afraid to return to the water, with many opting for safer alternatives such as harbour pools. Tim Clarke, a retiree from Bronte, had just finished a swim at Nielsen park’s Shark beach enclosure and said that he couldn’t see more than 3ft ahead due to the murky water. "I come here every few days and can normally see the bottom," he said. "I didn’t question the net, I don’t think there has ever been a large shark in it. I’d say it’s 98% safe." However, not everyone is comfortable swimming in the enclosures, with some beachgoers opting to stay out of the water altogether. Bev, a retiree from Vaucluse, has been swimming at Nielsen park for 40 years but said that she doesn’t know when she’ll swim in the ocean again. "Right now, I don’t know when I’m going to swim in the ocean again, which I’m very sad about," she said.
The Future of Shark Safety in Sydney
The shark attacks have raised questions about the safety of Sydney’s beaches and the effectiveness of shark nets. While some beachgoers are calling for the culling of sharks, others believe that it’s the sharks’ natural environment and that humans should respect their habitat. A grandmother who did not want to be named was visiting Shark beach with her two toddler grandchildren and said that she respects the sharks’ environment. "We’ve come to use the sand and go no more than ankle-deep," she said. "It’s the sharks’ natural environment – I respect that it is their habitat and I am very wary." As the city struggles to come to terms with the recent shark attacks, one thing is clear: the safety of Sydney’s beaches is a top priority, and it will take a collective effort to ensure that beachgoers can enjoy the water without fear of shark attacks.
