Loved ones of a 12-year-old boy involved in a shark attack at Sydney Harbour have shared a distressing update on his condition following the incident.
The boy, identified as Nico Antic by Australian media, was at Shark Beach in Sydney Harbour with friends when he was attacked by a suspected bull shark while jumping off rocks. This was the initial incident in a series of four shark attacks that occurred after Nico was hospitalized.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene and commended Nico’s friends for their courage in entering the water to rescue him. Nico was swiftly taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital in critical condition with severe leg injuries, leading to emergency surgery on the same night.
Family members have now disclosed Nico’s grim prognosis, revealing that he has been in a coma since the tragic event. His sister, Sophie, expressed the family’s anguish, mentioning that Nico’s brain is unresponsive, indicating a bleak outcome.
A fundraising campaign on GoFundMe was initiated by a family friend, Victor Piñeiro, to assist the Antic family during this challenging period. The campaign aims to support them with upcoming expenses and arrangements amid the crisis.
As of the latest update, over 1,700 individuals have contributed to the fundraiser, raising approximately AUD$122,000 (£61,000) by 2:30 pm local time.
Following Nico’s encounter, a surge in shark attacks was reported across New South Wales, prompting the closure of swimming areas on the northern beaches. Several incidents occurred, including a critical injury to a 27-year-old man at North Steyne Beach and a surfer narrowly escaping harm at Dee Why Beach.
Experts attribute the spike in shark activity to favorable conditions in NSW, such as warm ocean temperatures and murky water due to recent storms. Authorities have advised against swimming in areas with poor water quality, particularly near river mouths where sharks tend to gather.
For those interested in supporting the Antic family, donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign link provided.
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