Hundreds of paddle boarders, friends and family have journeyed into the waves of North Bondi to pay tribute to 12-year-old shark victim Nico Antic.
Local lifeguards and surf lifesavers attended the event. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
The paddle-out this morning was organised by his school, Rose Bay Secondary College, which said he would be remembered as a “happy, vibrant, and social young person”.
Twelve-year-old Nico Antic was attacked by a shark and left critically injured west of Shark Beach on Sunday, January 19. (Facebook: Rose Bay Secondary College)
The boy was attacked by a shark after jumping off rocks west of Shark Beach at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse on Sunday, January 18.
Authorities believe a bull shark was responsible for the bite that caused critical injuries to the North Bondi surf lifesaving nipper’s legs.
People gathered on the shore before the paddle-out. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
Almost a week later, his parents Lorena and Juan released a statement saying their son had died from his injuries at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick.
Hundreds turned out for the paddle-out tribute. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
The community came together on the shore, then formed a circle in the ocean.
At one point there was a large round of applause and cheering from the water.
‘A brave, gritty little kid’
An aerial view of the paddle-out. (Supplied)
Nico’s father Juan Pablo also spoke after the paddle-out and referred to his son as “our Nico”, saying that he would be forever remembered.
Easts Junior Beasties rugby club president Graham Jackson said it was “pretty emotional”.
Mr Jackson says Nico was “brave”. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
“When Nico’s dad was out speaking, there was an awful lot of love and respect around the place for that family and you could really feel that out there,” he said.
“It’s touched the whole community.”
There were some emotional scenes. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
Mr Jackson said a lot of people who knew Nico and his family through the rugby and surf lifesaving clubs turned up to pay tribute.
“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.”
Some people watched from the pathway. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
Isobel, Eddy and Jocelyn went to the same school as Nico.
Isobel said it was great to see the community come out to honour him.
“We saw a lot of our teachers, a lot of our classmates, and I recognised a few people from the club,” she said.
“I’ve seen heaps of things with his friends saying how great of a person he is and how that story is being shared which is amazing, that’s the best thing to come out of all of this.”
Jocelyn, Isobel (centre) and Eddy went to the same school as Nico. (ABC News)
Eddy said there was a sense of “togetherness” during the paddle-out, with “splashing, clapping and cheering”.
“I’ve heard a lot of stories of how great a person he was and what he did for people, and he put others before him and I think he deserved this,” he said.
Jocelyn said it was a “peaceful” event for a “great student”.
Martin Broglia said the paddle-out was all about community and connection.
“It was a farewell for Nico and just saying goodbye to him and supporting his family,” he said.
“[He was a] fun guy, always playing, always doing lots of sports, always with his father, with his friends.”
Ed and Eleanor say there was a “community” feel to the paddle-out. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
Ed Shand and Eleanor Lott also came out to pay tribute.
“It was good to see everyone come together as a community and show that everyone cared and showed their support,” Ms Lott said.
“I think the big show out really proved the good side of humanity and how everyone comes together in times like this. I think it was really, really nice,” Mr Shand said.
“I think it shows he’ll be remembered for a long time.”
People consoled and hugged each other. (ABC News: Liam Patrick)
The North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club released a statement after Nico died, saying he arrived at nippers every week with a “big smile and wonderful” attitude, and would be “deeply missed”.
“He was easy-going, independent, and a true lion heart — determined, with a genuine love for all sports and the kinship they brought,”
it 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.”