Australian professional surfer and triple world champion Mick Fanning was attacked by a shark during a competition in South Africa on Sunday. The dangerous incursion, said to be “the first in professional surfing history,” was broadcast live on TV.
The shark – described as a “big tiger shark” by the event’s live commentators, approached Fanning from behind as he was sitting on his board in the waters of Jeffreys Bay (also known as J-Bay) getting ready to compete.
In the broadcast, the shark could be seen launching itself at the surfer, known by the nickname “White Lightning,” who then disappeared from his board. After that, only huge splashes of water were visible to viewers. Assisting jet skis rushed to the spot where the struggle was taking place.
“There were two sharks apparently... the horn blasted,” World Surf League (WSL) Deputy Commissioner Renato Hickel said, adding that “this is the first time in professional surfing history, no one has experienced a situation like that.”
“That’s one of the dangers of professional surfing,” the event’s commentators could be heard saying, adding that they were happy to see the champion come out of the ordeal “in one piece.”
“I was just about to start moving and then I felt something grab [and] get stuck in my leg rope. And I instantly just jumped away and it just kept coming at my board. I started kicking and screaming,” he said on board the safety boat, adding that he “didn’t see the teeth,” but had seen the shark’s fin.
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