Shark fin in the water. (file image)

Shark fin in the water. (file image) (Source: istock.com)

A 12-year-old boy has lost his fight for life after being mauled by a shark while swimming with friends at a popular Sydney beach.

Nico Antic sustained critical injuries to his legs after being bitten by the shark at a well-known swimming spot in Vaucluse in Sydney’s east on Sunday.

It was the first of four shark bites within three days in NSW, triggering widespread community concern and beach closures.

Sadly, the 12-year-old died on Saturday, almost a week after the attack.

“We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,” his parents, Lorena and Juan, said in a statement.

“Nico was a happy, friendly and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit.

“He was always full of life and that’s how we’ll remember him.”

All Sydney’s northern beaches closed after three shark encounters
Two people, including a 12-year-old boy, critically injured after being mauled by sharks.

Schoolboy loses fight for life after shark attack

All Sydney’s northern beaches closed after three shark encounters 2:26

Two people, including a 12-year-old boy, critically injured after being mauled by sharks.  (Source: 1News)

The couple thanked the first responders and the teams at Sydney Children’s Hospital “for everything they did to care for Nico” as well as those in their community for their support.

The Antic family had been preparing for the “worst possible outcome” after learning Nico sustained devastating leg injuries.

A family friend set up a fundraiser that has collected more than $238,000.

The tragedy happened after Nico leapt from a rock ledge along Hermitage Foreshore Walk near Shark Beach, with authorities blaming a bull shark.

Shark attacks have also occurred this week at Sydney’s Dee Why and Manly beaches, as well as at Point Plomer on the mid-north coast, where the male victim was hospitalised with a chest wound.

The incidents have triggered debate about the effectiveness of shark mitigation techniques and warnings when weather lifts shark activity.

NSW shark attacks: Musician and nipper identified as two victims of four NSW shark attacks in 48 hours

They follow the fatal shark attack on Mercury Psillakis, 57, who was bitten while surfing at Sydney’s Long Reef beach in September.

All NSW beaches were expected to be open for the Australia Day long weekend despite the spate of incidents which prompted days-long closures.

NSW’s shark management program, given a $2.5 million boost in December, includes SMART drumlines and drone patrols at 50 beaches during school holidays.

It also features 37 tagged shark listening stations, which send alerts when a white, bull or tiger shark swims within 500 metres.