Nico Antic, 12, Dies Following Shark Attack in New Caledonia
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Nico Antic, a 12-year-old boy who was critically injured in a shark attack off the coast of New Caledonia on January 17, 2026, has died from his injuries. The attack occurred near the Île des Pins, a popular tourist destination.
The Attack and Initial Response
A tiger shark attacked Nico antic while he was bodyboarding with his father, Olivier Antic, and other family members.Nouvelle Calédonie reported that the attack severed Nico’s leg. Following the attack, Nico received immediate first aid from his father, a trained lifeguard, and was transported to a hospital in Nouméa.
Olivier Antic applied a tourniquet to stem the bleeding and kept his son conscious untill medical help arrived. The boy underwent multiple surgeries but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on January 24, 2026.
Shark attacks are relatively rare in New Caledonia, but authorities have increased safety measures in recent years. The government of New Caledonia, through the High Commission of the Republic in New Caledonia, implemented a shark risk management plan for Île des pins in 2023. This plan includes increased surveillance, the deployment of shark deterrent devices, and public awareness campaigns.
The plan was initiated after a series of shark sightings and minor incidents. The current plan involves regular patrols by lifeguards and the use of drumlines to capture and relocate sharks away from popular swimming areas.However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a subject of debate.
Investigation and Future Prevention
Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack to determine if any additional safety measures are needed. Radio Australia reports that the investigation will focus on the shark’s behavior and the effectiveness of existing safety protocols. The investigation will be led by the Maritime Affairs Department of New Caledonia.
The government has pledged to review the shark risk management plan and consider implementing more robust measures, such as the installation of shark nets or the use of advanced shark detection technology.A public forum is scheduled for February 7, 2026, to discuss potential solutions with residents and tourism operators.
