Surfer Mick Fanning Escapes Shark Attack During Live Televised Competition 

There was something in the water during the World Surf League’s J-Bay Open on Sunday, and competitor Mick Fanning lived to tell about it.

The Australian surfer was approached by two sharks during competition off the South African coast, and escaped a potentially vicious attack using nothing but his board and bare hands. The harrowing ordeal was captured on live television, and organizers canceled the remainder of the event after water safety personnel brought Fanning and fellow finalist Julian Wilson safely back to shore.

In an interview with World Surf League TV following the incident, a visibly shaken Fanning said he was “totally tripping out.”

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“I had this instinct that something was behind [me], and all of a sudden I felt like I started getting pulled underwater,” he said. “And then the [shark] came up and I was on my board and it was right there, and I saw the whole thing thrashing around. … I punched it in the back.”

“I just can’t believe it,” he added. “To walk away from that, I’m just so stoked.”

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“We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured today,” the WSL said in a statement. “Mick’s composure and quick acting in the face of a terrifying situation was nothing short of heroic.”

According to NBC News, the three-time WSL champion said the close encounter may have shifted his priorities.

“I’m happy to not even compete ever again,” Fanning reportedly said. “I just want to let all of my friends and family know I’m OK.”

— Erin Biglow