The final 37 seconds of audio captured on the phone of 12-year-old Nico Antic has become the most haunting piece of evidence in the Sydney Harbour shark attack case. Recorded during the moments he was pulled under by the shark at Nielsen Park on January 19, 2026, the file was recovered from his waterproof case and released by police (with family consent and heavy redactions for privacy) on January 22. Within hours of being made public, the clip spread across social media and news platforms, leaving listeners stunned, heartbroken, and unable to shake the sound of a child’s terror.
The recording begins with normal background noise: waves lapping against rocks, distant laughter from other swimmers, and the casual chatter of Nico and his friends jumping from the rocks. At 4:15:03 p.m., you hear Nico’s voice clearly: “Watch this one!” followed by a splash as he leaps into the water. For the first 12 seconds everything sounds playful — more splashes, friends cheering him on. Then, at 4:15:15, the tone changes instantly. A sudden, violent thrash. Water churning. Nico’s voice cuts through in pure panic: “Help! Help me!” The screams become frantic, high-pitched, and desperate. You can hear splashing, grunts, and the unmistakable sound of something large moving in the water.
From 4:15:22 onward the audio grows chaotic: Nico gasping, choking on water, yelling incoherently. Friends on shore start shouting his name. At 4:15:35 the struggle intensifies — more thrashing, more screams. Then, in the very last second — 4:15:40 — Nico manages three final, gut-wrenching words before the line goes dead:
“Mom… I’m sorry…”
The audio cuts abruptly as the phone is presumably knocked from his hand or submerged. That single, broken phrase has become the emotional centerpiece of the tragedy. Listeners report being unable to finish the clip without tears; many say they can still hear the boy’s voice in their heads hours later. The three words — delivered in a terrified, fading whisper — have turned a horrific news story into a deeply personal national wound.
Police have confirmed the recording was made on Nico’s phone, which was recovered floating near the attack site. Forensic audio analysis shows no signs of tampering. The clip has been used to help reconstruct the timeline and shark behaviour during the assault. Experts say the thrashing sounds and sudden submersion are consistent with a bull shark ambush — fast, powerful, and devastating.
Nico remains in a medically induced coma at Sydney Children’s Hospital. Doctors describe his condition as critical but stable, with severe leg trauma, massive blood loss, and ongoing risk of infection and brain swelling. His 15-year-old friend Ethan, who jumped in to fight the shark and pull him to safety, is being treated for trauma and minor injuries but is physically stable.
The family has asked for privacy while they stay by Nico’s side. A GoFundMe for medical costs and family support has raised over A$320,000 in 72 hours. Tributes continue online: #PrayForNico and #SydneySharkAttack trending with more than 1.4 million posts, many sharing the audio clip (with warnings) alongside messages of love and solidarity.
The final three words — “Mom… I’m sorry…” — have become a heartbreaking refrain across Australia. A boy who should have been safe in the water, playing with friends on a summer afternoon, instead spent his last conscious seconds trying to say goodbye. The nation listens, weeps, and waits — hoping for a miracle that grows harder to believe with every passing hour.
