Australian pro surfer Mick Fanning fights off shark in South Africa

An Australian surfing champion has fought off a huge shark during a competition in South Africa, escaping the terrifying scene without injury to the relief of his shocked mother who feared she had lost another son. Mick Fanning, 34, was competing in the final heat of a world tour event at Jeffreys Bay in the country’s Eastern Cape province on Sunday when a looming black fin appeared behind him. In a churn of water and spray, Fanning battled to fend off the shark.

It came up and got stuck in my leg rope. I was kicking and screaming. I just saw a fin. I didn’t see teeth. I was waiting for the teeth to come at me as I was swimming. I punched it in the back.

Mick Fanning, speaking with media.

Fanning, a triple world champion nicknamed “White Lightning”, lost his brother in a car crash almost 17 years ago and his terrified mother, watching the drama live on television in Australia, feared the worst. Fanning was pulled from the water by a nearby rescue jet-ski that rushed to his aid, and he only lost his board leash. The World Surf League (WSL), which organised the J-Bay Open, said two sharks were spotted in the water near Fanning and his rival – and close friend – Julian Wilson, also from Australia.

We could see the splashing and he was knocked off his board. I thought this guy was going to die in front of us.

Spectator Kaylee Smit.

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