12-Year-Old Boy Dies After Shark Attack in Sydney Harbour

A 12-year-old boy has died after being attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour.

Nico Antic was injured last Sunday while jumping off rocks with friends at Vaucluse. He was pulled from the water by his friends and rushed to hospital, suffering severe injuries to both legs.

On Saturday, Nico’s family confirmed he had died from his injuries.

In a statement, the family said they were “heartbroken” by the loss of their son, describing Nico as a happy, friendly and sporty boy with a kind and generous spirit. They said he was always full of life and that is how they will remember him.

His death comes amid a series of shark attacks along Australia’s east coast. Dozens of beaches, including several in Sydney, were closed this week after four shark attacks occurred over two days.

Recent heavy rainfall has left coastal waters murky, conditions that can increase shark activity. In September last year, a surfer was killed by a large shark at Sydney’s Long Reef Beach.

Australia records an average of 20 shark attacks each year, with fewer than three resulting in fatalities, according to conservation group data.