‘He kept fighting’: Brave friend of shark attack survivor Nico Antic reveals moment he leapt into water to save his mate

A friend of shark attack victim Nico Antic has recounted the moment he jumped into the water to try and save his mate – braving danger as the same shark lurked nearby. Nico, 12, remains in hospital after he was bitten by a suspected bull shark while rock jumping with his friends at Hermitage Foreshore Walk near Shark Beach, in Vaucluse, last Sunday afternoon. Water Police rendered first aid on the child, who was then raced to Rose Bay via boat, before being taken to the Children’s Hospital in Randwick. The horrifying incident was one of four shark attacks that rocked NSW over the week – with another shark biting a chunk out of an 11-year-old surfer’s board at Dee Why Point the following day. Surfer Andre de Ruyter, 27, was attacked the same day at Manly Beach at 6pm. On Tuesday, Paul Zvirzdinas, 39, was knocked off his board by a suspected shark at Point Plomer, near Port Macquarie. One of Nico’s friends has since broken his silence about the horror day and how he acted quickly to jump in the water and help drag the 12-year-old to shore. “He kept fighting and breathing in my arms and he never gave up for a second,” the friend told 7News. “He’s the most stubborn person I know.” NSW Police Superintendent Joseph McNulty had earlier commended the “brave” actions of Nico’s friends under the difficult circumstances. “(They were) very confronting injuries for those boys to see, but I suppose that’s mateship,” he said. In a GoFundMe set up to cover expenses for the Antic family, Victor Piñeiro said Nico had sustained “devastating injuries”. “Despite all efforts, this heartbreaking event has led to the worst possible outcome,” Mr Piñeiro – a friend of the Antic family – said in the fundraiser’s description “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.” As of Friday evening, the GoFundMe has reached $224,644 of its $250,000 target. Sydney’s Northern Beaches were closed earlier this week in response to the spate of shark attacks. But on Thursday evening, Northern Beaches Council confirmed its beaches would begin to reopen on Friday ahead of the Australia Day long weekend. Mayor Sue Heins said the council was closely monitoring water conditions. “As always the number one message to beachgoers is to swim between the flags, follow the directions of our incredible lifesavers and lifeguards and avoid swimming at dawn and dusk,” she said. The Department of Primary Industries and Life Saving NSW have agreed to reopen the Northern Beaches, which include the return of patrolling council and Life Saving NSW lifeguards, ongoing jet ski patrols, increased aerial surveillance and extra drum lines. Each beach will be assessed on an individual basis with lifeguards on site, the council said.