Hundreds Join Paddle-Out For 12yo Shark Attack Victim, Nico Antic
Image: Dronesharkapp/Instagram
Hundreds of people joined a paddle-out on Sunday morning at North Bondi to pay tribute to 12-year-old shark attack victim, Nico Antic.
Nico was seriously injured in a suspected bull shark attack after jumping off rocks near Shark Beach in Vaucluse on Sunday, January 18. Almost a week later, his parents announced that their son had died from his injuries at Sydney Children’s Hospital.
The tribute was organised by his school, Rose Bay Secondary College, who said Nico would be remembered as a “happy, vibrant, and social young person”.
Out on the water, swimmers and paddlers formed a circled in the water around Nico’s parents, splashing, applauding, and drumming on their boards.
“To all of you, for being part of this for Nico, thank you – we are forever grateful,” Nico’s father, Juan Pablo told the crowd back on the beach, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.
“We love this kid so much, our Nico, we’re going to miss him, miss him forever.”
12-year-old remembered as brave and bright
In a statement released after his death, the North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club said Nico arrived at nippers every week with a “big smile and wonderful” attitude, and would be “deeply missed” by all.
“He was easy-going, independent, and a true lion heart — determined, with a genuine love for all sports and the kinship they brought,” they said.
“He wholeheartedly loved the ocean and simply loved being at Nippers.
“Last year, he was recognised with a Nippers award, a reflection of the lion-heart spirit, enthusiasm and kindness he brought to our club.”
Easts Junior Beasties rugby club president Graham Jackson told the ABC the scenes were “pretty emotional”.
“If you speak to anyone at the rugby club, or at his school, the word that comes out is ‘brave or bravery’ time and time again,” he said.
“He was a brave, gritty little kid and he’s remembered for that quality more than anything else.”
