Australian champion surfer Mick Fanning experienced a frightening moment during a competition in South Africa last Sunday, July 19, 2015. Fanning was unaware of the danger getting close to him while he was in the water.
According to the report of US Magazine, two large fins appeared from behind Fanning. The sharks attacked in no time, grabbing his board with their jaws, even as the Aussie tried to get away and escape. Luckily, rescuers in jet skis were able to immediately get the surfer out of the water.
During his interview with US Magazine, Fanning shakily recounted the incident saying, "I was just sitting there and then I felt something grab... It just kept coming at my board and I just kept kicking and screaming. I just saw fins. I was waiting for the teeth to come at me as I was swimming. I punched it in the back." The terrifying moment was caught on film.
TMZ News reported that Fanning told Fox Sports that he punched the back of one of the sharks to startle it, and after some fighting and kicking, he escaped unhurt.
The rest of the competition was canceled by the World Surf League due to the incident. Mick Fanning will receive a second place rank and the prize money will be divided between Fanning and his fellow surfer Julian Wilson.
NBC News quoted the statement of the WSL after they have decided to discontinue the competition. "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 (the) competition at the J-Bay Open."
In a heartfelt statement reported by NBC News, Fanning was said to have stated, "I'm happy to not even compete ever again." NBC News goes on to quote the surfer, "I just want to let all my family and friends know, I'm okay. I'm just tripping out."
World Surf League commissioner Kieren Perrow has also stated that the finalists were no longer concerned with the standings following the cancellation of the competition due to the shark attacks.
