Heroic Rescue in Sydney Harbour: Friends Save 12-Year-Old Boy from Brutal Shark Attack
In a heart-stopping display of bravery, the quick actions of a group of young friends saved the life of a 12-year-old boy critically injured in a ferocious shark attack at Sydney Harbour’s Shark Beach in Vaucluse on Sunday afternoon. The incident, believed to involve a large bull shark, has shocked the community and prompted urgent warnings about swimming in the harbour following recent heavy rainfall.
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Aerial view showing Shark Beach in the Sydney, Australia suburb …
The attack occurred around 4:20 p.m. when the boy, now identified as Nico Antic, was rock-jumping with friends from a popular 6-metre (about 20-foot) ledge known as Jump Rock near Hermitage Foreshore Walk and Nielsen Park’s Shark Beach. As he entered the water, a powerful shark—suspected to be a bull shark—struck his lower limbs, inflicting devastating injuries to both legs.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after 000 calls reported the horror. Nico’s friends demonstrated extraordinary courage: one or more dove into the bloodied water to pull him to shore, preventing him from drowning or bleeding out further. Marine Area Command officers arrived swiftly, hauling the boy aboard a police vessel where they applied two medical tourniquets to stem the massive bleeding and administered first aid, including CPR efforts during the high-speed transfer to a waiting ambulance at a nearby wharf.
news.com.au
Cops praise boys for ‘brave’ act that saved 12yo’s life in Sydney …
Superintendent Joseph McNulty of the NSW Police Marine Area Command praised the response as “textbook.” “Every second counted,” he said. “The actions of his mates who have gone into the water to pull him out have been nothing but brave, a gallant recovery from his mates there.” He described the scene as “horrendous” upon arrival, with officers working frantically amid the chaos.
Nico was rushed to Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick, where he underwent emergency surgery and received multiple blood transfusions. He remains in intensive care, intubated and fighting for his life in critical condition. Family and friends have rallied around him, with a GoFundMe page launched by a close contact raising significant funds to support the family during this “incredibly difficult time.” Recent updates indicate the boy is on life support, and loved ones are preparing for the worst possible outcome, though police confirm he is still alive and receiving round-the-clock care.
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Victims of horror shark attacks named – Yahoo News Australia
Bull sharks, known for their aggressive nature and tolerance of brackish water, are common in Sydney Harbour—especially after heavy rain flushes freshwater into the system, drawing them into shallower areas in search of food. Authorities note this “perfect storm” of conditions likely contributed to the attack, one of several in NSW over the past 48 hours, including non-fatal incidents at Dee Why and Manly.
The beach and surrounding swimming spots were immediately closed, with police and officials urging the public to avoid entering the water in the harbour and nearby areas. “We believe it was something like a bull shark that attacked the lower limbs,” Superintendent McNulty confirmed, highlighting the species’ presence in warm, murky shallows.
This rare but terrifying event underscores the unpredictable dangers of Sydney’s iconic waters, even in popular, seemingly safe spots like Shark Beach—ironically named yet seldom the site of such incidents. Nico’s friends’ heroism has been hailed across Australia, with the NSW Premier and police leaders calling for recognition of their selfless actions.
As Nico battles in hospital, the community holds its breath, sending prayers and support. His story of survival—thanks to mateship and rapid response—serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring testament to courage in crisis. Authorities continue monitoring harbour conditions, reminding residents and visitors: in these waters, respect for nature is paramount.
