Boy (12) Suffers Devastating Injuries After Sydney Harbour Shark Attack

Antic was attacked on Sunday afternoon while swimming with friends near Shark Beach in Vaucluse, an affluent harbourside suburb in Sydney’s east. The incident happened shortly after 4.20pm as the boys were jumping from rocks along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, a popular coastal path. Police believe a bull shark – a species known to inhabit murky, brackish waters – was responsible. The boy was bitten on both legs. Antic was taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, where he remains in a critical condition. The hospital today said it could not provide an update on his condition. A GoFundMe appeal launched by Victor Piñeiro, who described himself as a close friend of the family, said the boy had suffered “devastating injuries”. “Despite all efforts, this heartbreaking event has led to the worst possible outcome,” Mr Piñeiro wrote. “We are raising funds to help the Antic family cover upcoming expenses and related arrangements during this incredibly difficult time. Any contribution, no matter the size, would be deeply appreciated and will help ease the financial burden as they grieve. All funds will be donated to the Antic family.” The appeal had raised more than A$131,000 (£65,673) by Wednesday and attracted messages of support from across Australia. Among them was a tribute from Kate Barley, whose 15-year-old son Khai Cowley was killed by a shark in South Australia in 2023. “From one mum to another, my heart is holding you so tightly,” Ms Barley wrote. “I lost my beautiful boy Khai in a shark attack in South Australia – he was only 15 – and I know how unbearable this waiting and fear can be. Your precious boy is in our thoughts and prayers, and your family is being held with deep love and strength right now.” Antic, weeks away from turning 13, was a junior member of the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, taking part in its Nippers programme for children. He was recognised last year as the most improved under-11 boy. NSW police superintendent Joe McNulty said that one of Antic’s friends had shown extreme bravery by jumping into the water to pull him to safety despite the danger. “That mate was extremely brave, going into brackish water with the unknown factor of a shark still hanging around,” Mr McNulty said, according to 7 News. It is believed the attack occurred outside the protective shark net that encloses part of Shark Beach. Such nets are designed to reduce the risk of encounters but do not create a complete barrier. The attack on Antic was followed by a series of shark-related incidents along the New South Wales coast over the next two days, prompting widespread beach closures. On Monday morning, an 11-year-old escaped injury when a shark bit his surfboard several times at Dee Why in Sydney’s north. That evening, a 27-year-old surfer was attacked at Manly, less than 5km away, and was dragged underwater before being pulled out unconscious by other surfers.