A community of surfers and lifesavers gathered at Bondi Beach on Sunday to honor a 12 year old boy who died after a shark attack in Sydney Harbour, as concerns grow over a recent spike in incidents along Australia’s east coast.
The tribute followed the death of Nico Antic, who succumbed to his injuries on January 24, six days after being bitten by a shark while swimming with friends near rocks at Vaucluse, about nine kilometers from central Sydney, according to Australian media and Reuters.
The incident has renewed attention on water safety as authorities respond to multiple shark encounters recorded earlier this year.
Hundreds of surfers and paddle boarders entered the water at Bondi Beach in a traditional paddle out ceremony, forming a large circle offshore to remember Nico. Footage broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corp showed participants sitting quietly on their boards before raising arms in unison.
Local surf lifesavers joined Nico’s school friends and family members in the ceremony. Organizers said the gathering reflected the strength of Sydney’s coastal community and its shared connection to the ocean.
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Nico had been pulled from the water by friends after the January 18 attack, suffering severe injuries to both legs. He was taken to hospital, where he later died despite medical efforts, authorities said.
Nico’s death came amid heightened concern over shark activity across New South Wales. In January, dozens of beaches, including several in Sydney, were temporarily closed after four shark attacks were reported over a two day period.
Officials said heavy rainfall had reduced water visibility, creating conditions that can draw sharks closer to shore. Surf lifesaving groups urged swimmers and surfers to remain alert and follow beach safety advisories.
Earlier incidents have also underscored the risks. In September, a surfer was killed by a large shark at Long Reef Beach in northern Sydney, according to police and media reports.
Despite the recent cluster of incidents, conservation groups note that fatal shark attacks remain rare in Australia. The country averages about 20 shark attacks each year, with fewer than three resulting in deaths, based on long term data compiled by wildlife researchers.
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Those figures are significantly lower than the number of drownings recorded annually on Australian beaches, which remain the leading cause of coastal fatalities, according to Surf Life Saving Australia.
Experts continue to stress that environmental factors, including rainfall and water temperature, can influence shark behavior, though predicting encounters remains difficult.
Authorities said beach monitoring and drone patrols will continue during peak summer conditions, while public awareness campaigns focus on reducing risk in murky water and near rocky areas.
