A 12-year-old boy has died from injuries sustained in a shark attack in Sydney Harbour, Australian authorities and the child’s family confirmed, following an incident last week that occurred amid a series of shark attacks along the New South Wales coast.
Nico Antic, was attacked on 18 January while he was jumping from a rock ledge with his friends in Sydney Harbour. Nico’s friends received praise for entering the water to assist him immediately after the attack. The shark involved in the attack was suspected to be a bull shark. Nico had reached the Sydney Children’s Hospital where he underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma due to severe leg injuries and his critical condition.
His parents, Lorena and Juan stated that their son passed away in the hospital and described him as “a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy” who was generous and had a kind nature, and said that they would remember him as someone who was full of life. Through online fundraising campaign established to support the family, approximately $240,000 was raised
Series of Shark Attacks Along the New South Wales Coast
The incident marks as one of the four reported shark attacks along the New South Wales coastline over a two-day period. Three of these attacks occurred in the Sydney area. On Monday, a surfer escaped a shark encounter without injury on Sydney’s northern beaches, and later the same day a 27-year-old man sustained what authorities stated as“life-changing” injuries in a separate attack at a nearby beach.On Tuesday, a 39-year-old man was also bitten by a shark and he suffered a chest wound, and was immediately taken to the hospital after being pull from the water, this incident took place on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.
Weather Conditions and Increased Bull Shark Activity
Heavy rainfall experienced in the area has created conditions favourable for bull sharks which are known to prefer murky water. The sharks are also drawn closer to the shore due to rain which washes nutrients into coastal waters. As a result, multiple Sydney beaches were closed as a precaution and have since begun opening again due to improved weather conditions.
Source: BBC News