Aussie surfer Mick Fanning fends off shark in epic clash of species

When surfers take on sharks in their natural habitat, it’s usually the wave riders who come off second best. Apparently though no one told Australian surfer Mick Fanning that.

While Fanning was competing at the JBay Open today, a shark suddenly attacked the surfer, dragging him underwater.

In response, Fanning punched the shark before paddling to safety.

The Aussie surfer was competing in the finals of the annual competition, held off the waters of Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape.

“I was just cruising, just waiting for my turn, my opportunity,” he said.

“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.

“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.'”

The attack was caught live on camera and witnessed by surf fans around the globe who were watching it via webstream.

Check it out:

Fanning was fortunate to escape unharmed. The remainder of the competition was however scrapped in the wake of the attack.

“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 and the rapid response of our Water Safety personnel was commendable – they are truly world class at what they do.

“The safety of our athletes is a priority for the WSL and, after discussions with both Finalists, we have decided to cancel the remainder of competition at the J-Bay Open.”