Bloody hell, this is absolutely unbelievable.
Australian surfing legend Mick Fanning had a miraculous escape from a terrifying encounter with a shark at the J-Bay Open in South Africa.
The final of the competition – a major stop on the World Surf League calendar – was a mere matter of minutes old when the incident occurred. Fanning had yet to catch a wave in the final, when the tell-tale dorsal fin emerged from the water right next to his board. The animal knocked Fanning off his board, with the entire incident broadcast live across the globe. It’s truly frightening stuff.
Support crews raced across the water, reaching Fanning in seconds and hauling him out of the water. Fellow Aussie Julian Wilson, who was also in the water at the time of the attack, was also rescued. The competition was subsequently called off.
A clearly shaken Fanning was detailed the ordeal moments after the attack, in which he remarkably walked away from with only a snapped leg rope.
“I was just sitting there and I felt something just get stuck in my leg rope, and I was kicking trying to get it away.”
“I just saw fins. I was waiting for the teeth.”
Fanning won the altercation, stating that he’d punched the shark in the back.
The WSL issued a statement praising Fanning’s composure and the quick response of their safety crews in avoiding what could have been an utter catastrophe.
“We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured today. Mick’s composure and quick acting in the face of a terrifying situation was nothing short of heroic and the rapid response of our Water Safety personnel was commendable — they are truly world class at what they do.”
“The safety of our athletes is a priority for the WSL and, after discussions with both Finalists, we have decided to cancel the remainder of competition at the J-Bay Open. We appreciate the ongoing support we have in South Africa and once again want to express our gratitude to the Water Safety Team.”
The waters in Jeffreys Bay are reportedly known to be home to sharks, although very few fatal attacks have been recorded in the area.
Glad you’re ok, Mick. That was way too full-on.
