Mick Fanning has survived a shark attack during the final of the J-Bay Open.
Fanning was sitting in the lineup during the final against Julian Wilson when a fin appeared from behind him.
Realising it was a shark, Fanning swiveled around, punched the shark in the back and tried to get out of the lineup as fast as he could. All while pictures where beamed out to a live worldwide audience.
“I was just sitting there, I was just about to start moving and then I felt something grab … get stuck in my leg rope,” said a visibly shaken Fanning to Pete Mel in the channel immediately after the incident.
“I instantly just jumped and he kept coming at my board. I was just kicking and screaming.
“I punched him in the back!”
The event was put on hold before organisers decided to call off competition for the day.
For a detailed report click here.
