Authorities and family confirmed that 12-year-old Nico Antic has died after a shark bite in Sydney Harbour. He was attacked while jumping from rocks at Vaucluse and suffered severe injuries to both legs before being taken to hospital. Dozens of beaches were closed after four shark encounters in two days amid heavy rains that left waters murky. Australia averages about 20 shark attacks a year, with fewer than three typically fatal.
12-Year-Old Nico Antic Dies After Shark Bite in Sydney Harbour; Family Mourns
FILE PHOTO: A lifeguard patrols North Steyne beach as beaches are closed after recent shark attacks, in Sydney, Australia, January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Jeremy Piper/File Photo
A 12-year-old boy, identified by his family as Nico Antic, has died in hospital after being bitten by a shark in Sydney Harbour, authorities and the family said. The attack occurred on Sunday while Nico and friends were jumping from rocks at Vaucluse, about 9 km (5.5 miles) from Sydney's central business district.
Friends pulled Nico from the water and he was rushed to hospital with severe injuries to both legs. Despite treatment, the family announced on Saturday that he had died.
"We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away," the family 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."
Beach Closures and Safety Concerns
Dozens of beaches in and around Sydney were closed this week after four shark encounters occurred within two days. Heavy rains have left coastal waters murky, a condition experts say can increase the likelihood of sharks approaching closer to shore.
Separately, in September a surfer was killed by a large shark at Long Reef Beach on Sydney's northern coastline, underscoring recent concerns about shark activity along the east coast.
Context and Statistics
Conservation data show Australia averages about 20 shark attacks each year, with fewer than three typically fatal. By contrast, drownings on Australian beaches account for a substantially higher number of deaths annually.
Reporting: Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing: William Mallard.
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