Aussie Surfer Mick Fanning Survives Shark Attack

Fanning managed to fight off the predator, punching it on its back before it swam off.

In this image made available by the World Surf League, Australian surfer Mick Fanning is pursued by a shark, in Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa. (Photo: AP)

Australian surfer Mick Fanning survived a shark attack in Sunday’s final of the World Surfing League’s J-Bay Open, fighting off the circling predator with his fists.

Fanning, three-times 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.

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 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.
–Mick Fanning to Fox Sports

(Photo: AP)

(Photo: AP)

(Photo: AP)

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.