By Micah Jonah
February 1, 2026
An Australian boy who died after a shark attack in Sydney Harbour has been honoured by surfers and members of the public at Bondi Beach.
The victim, 12 year old Nico Antic, died in hospital on January 24, six days after he was attacked by a shark while swimming with friends near rocks at Vaucluse, about nine kilometres from Sydney’s central business district. He sustained severe injuries to both legs before being pulled from the water by his friends.
On Sunday, surfers and paddle boarders held a community paddle out at Bondi Beach in his memory. Footage showed participants forming a large circle in the ocean as a mark of respect. Local surf lifesavers, school friends, and family members were also present.
Australian authorities had closed dozens of beaches across Sydney in January following a surge in shark attacks along the east coast. Heavy rainfall during the period reportedly made coastal waters murky, increasing the likelihood of shark encounters.
In September last year, another fatal shark attack was recorded at Long Reef Beach in Sydney.
Australia records an average of about 20 shark attacks annually, with fewer than three resulting in death, according to conservation data. Drownings remain the leading cause of fatalities on Australian beaches.
