First picture of shark attack victim, 12, left brain dead – he'll never wake up

Nico Antic is brain-dead following a shark attack (Image: Supplied)

A 12-year-old boy attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour remains alive in hospital but has been declared brain dead and will not regain consciousness. Nico Antic was jumping into the water from a six-metre rock ledge at Nielsen Park, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, around 4.20 pm on Sunday when he was mauled by a suspected bull shark.

Both of his legs were severely injured, and he survived only because one of his five friends jumped in and pulled him onto the rocks while the shark lingered nearby. Nico was the first victim of four shark attacks on NSW coastlines within the last three days.

Nico Antic with his dad (Image: Supplied)

The horrific attack comes amid a series of shark encounters across Australia's most populous state.

Just a day earlier, a 27-year-old surfer suffered life-changing injuries after being bitten at North Steyne Beach in Manly.

Earlier that same day, an 11-year-old boy was knocked from his surfboard by a large shark at Dee Why Beach, which left several bite marks on his board. Fortunately, he escaped unharmed.

Reports on Wednesday claimed that Nico died, but a close family member has now confirmed that he still alive in hospital. Police have also confirmed Nico's condition at Sydney Children's Hospital remains unchanged.

The relative told the Daily Mail: "He is still asleep, but will not be able to make it because his brain is completely unresponsive."