TAKE THAT:
Three-time world surfing champion Mick Fanning fights off a shark on live television during the final of the World Surfing League’s J-Bay Open in Jeffreys Bay yesterday. ‘I punched him in the back. It kept coming. I just saw fins,’ the Australian said.
AUSTRALIAN surfer Mick Fanning survived a shark attack during yesterday’s final of the World Surfing League’s J-Bay Open, fighting off the circling predator with his fists.
Fanning, three-time world surfing champion, was paddling out to ride his first wave when the unidentified species of shark surfaced next to him, knocking the 34-year-old off his board.
The Australian managed to fight off the predator, hitting it on its back before it swam off, leaving him shaken as he waited for a support boat to return him safely to shore.
The incident, which was broadcast on live TV, led to the postponement of the final against compatriot Julian Wilson.
“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,” Fanning told Fox Sports. “I punched him in the back. I instantly just jumped away. It kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming. I just saw fins. I was waiting for the teeth.”
Organisers have not yet decided when the final will resume, though it is hoped it will be today.
South Africa’s waters are among the most shark-infested in the world. A swimmer was killed by a Great White shark at Albatross Point close to Jeffreys Bay in 2013. Shortly after the incident the NSRI released a statement urging bathers and surfers to exercise caution in the waters of Jeffreys Bay.
“The surfer involved in the shark encounter, Australian Mick Fanning, and fellow competitor, Australian Julian Wilson, were picked up by the surfing competitions own safety boat and brought to shore without incident and no one was harmed.
“While NSRI Jeffreys Bay are not attending the J-Bay Open in any official capacity, NSRI Jeffreys Bay and the Emergency Services are on alert to respond to any incident, but caution is advised to surfers and bathers following this incident,” NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon said. – Reuters and Staff Reporter