Viewers and eyewitnesses watched in shock as a shark attacked a professional surfer about to take part in a competition in Eastern Cape.
Australian Mick Fanning was waiting his turn at the J-Bay open when a shark appeared and started to attack his board. Incredibly, Mick managed to beat the shark off with his bare hands.
“I was just cruising, just waiting for my turn, my opportunity,” Mick, 34, said afterwards.
“I felt like I was just about to start moving, start paddling, get going again when all of a sudden I had this instinct there was someone behind me and all of a sudden I started getting pulled underwater.
“And then the thing came up. I was on my board and it was like right there and I saw the whole thing like thrashing around.”
The champion surfer added: “I was getting dragged under by leg rope and then I felt like it kicked me off, but it was still there attached to my board. It felt like I punched it a couple of times and I felt like it was dragging me underwater and then my leg rope broke and I was like, 'Alright, just start swimming and swimming and swimming’.”
Following the attack the competition was called off. In a statement the WSL said: “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.”