Nico Antic has suffered life changing injuries and remains in a coma

Nico Antic, the 12-year-old boy attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour, has been confirmed as brain-dead by his family in a devastating update(Image: GoFundMe)

Loved ones have issued a heartbreaking update on the 12-year-old boy that was mauled in a shark attack in Sydney Harbour. The boy, named as Nico Antic was bitten by a shark when at the beach with friends on Sunday, January 18.

Nico was at the popular Nielson beach and was jumping off rocks at the end of the beach when he was bitten by a suspected bull shark.Emergency services were called to Hermitage Foreshore Walk on Steele Point Rd in Vaucluse, near what is known as Shark Beach, at about 4.20pm on Sunday. Friends and witnesses wrapped up his lower limbs before paramedics transported him to Rose Bay and rushed him to Sydney’s Children Hospital.

Nico’s friends have been commended by local authorities and emergency services for their bravery in getting their friend out of the water.

Sydney beachgoers have been warned not to swim in popular waters after a 12 year old boy was attacked by shark prompting a huge emergency response(Image: Sky News)

The incident was the first in a string of four shark attacks that have followed in the past few days in New South Wales Australia. Nico underwent emergency surgery on Sunday night.

In the latest update his family have said the boy is “completely unresponsive” and remains in a coma. His sister Sophie told the Daily Mail Nico is “still asleep, but will not be able to make it because his brain is completely unresponsive”.

She added: “He is a sporty kid and never fails to put a smile on people’s faces. He is loved by many friends and family.” The devastating update comes after a GoFundMe was set up by family friend Victor Piñeiro to support the Antic family.

The page reads: “Despite all efforts, this heartbreaking event has led to the worst possible outcome. We are raising funds to help the Antic family cover upcoming expenses and related arrangements during this incredibly difficult time.”

Over 1,700 donations have been made so far, with the total raised reaching more than AUD$122,000 (£61,000). Nico was the first of four victims of shark attacks in New South Wales in just 48 hours.

Beaches in the city have been closed to swimmers and surfers after a 39-year-old man became the fourth person attacked since Sunday. A 27-year-old was also targeted on Monday, January 10.

He suffered critical injuries after being bitten at North Steyne Beach in Manly. It has been confirmed by police that he sustained “life-changing injuries” in the attack and remains in critical condition following surgery.

On the same day a shark also took a chunk out of a surfer’s board at Dee Why Beach, in northern Sydney. The shark activity is linked to the current conditions, according to shark experts. The warm ocean temperatures and dirty water from recent storms are perfect for bull sharks.

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said to ABC News: “Anytime after a big weather event there’s always going to be a lot of run-off and out flow of creeks into the ocean and river mouths. We really strongly advocate that nobody swim or surf near river mouths because it’s obviously an area where sharks congregate. If it’s dirty water I’d think twice about going in there.”

“We have such poor water quality that’s conducive to bull shark activity … [so] just go to a local pool, because at this stage, we’re advising that the beaches are unsafe.”