Mick Fanning Survives Shark Attack

Surfer Mick Fanning was able to escape a shark attack on live TV at the last day of the J-Bay Open after he punched the shark in the back. The Australian world champion was waiting for his turn during his final against Julian Wilson, a fellow Australian, when a shark fin suddenly appeared from the back.

Fanning was shocked to see the shark and attempted to leave the area as quickly as possible. He was able to escape the shark attack unharmed. He said he was about to move when he felt something tugging his leg rope. He jumped and the shark continued to move toward his board before he started kicking.

He said after he saw the fins, he waited for the teeth of the shark to appear. Then he punched the back of the shark. Mick Fanning talked about the scary incident when he reached the beach.

He said when he was about to start to paddle, his instincts told him that something was coming at him from the back. He was pulled under the water and the shark came up. He was on the board and saw the shark coming. He added that he was dragged under the water through his leg rope.

Mick Fanning Survives Shark Attack - image credit: cnn.com

When his leg rope broke, he started to swim and scream. He added that he could not believe what happened.

Shark attacks are not unfamiliar to South Africa, where numerous sightings of great white sharks occurred in the past. Two years ago, a shark attacked a 74-year-old man at a renowned surfing spot at Jeffreys Bay. Sharks were also seen by surfers earlier in the year. World champion Gabriel Medina was able to spot a shark during the Margaret River Pro competition last April.

A video showing a dark shadow on a wave posted by Kelly Slater at Margaret River became an internet sensation last year. Slater later said he believes the shadow was that of a surfer coming on top of him.

When Fanning was asked if he can finish the event on the next day, he said he was “happy to not even compete again.” The event was cancelled by officials around two hours after the incident. Mick Fanning and Julian Wilson will split the points along with the prize money.

Posted by James Fried on Monday July 20 2015, 10:37 PM EDT. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0