The 34-year-old was competing in the final heat of a world tour event at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province on Sunday when a looming black fin appeared behind him.
Advertisement
The mom of a surfer who was attacked by a shark all through a levels of competition in explained she was “terrified” by movie of the attack.
The shark attacked, knocking triple world champion Fanning off his board just as a wave rolled through and hid him from view as Wilson frantically began paddling to the rescue. The next thing viewers saw was him disappear under the water, and they heard someone shouting “Get out of there now!” over the loud speaker. Mr. Wilson was also competing in the event and was in the water when he saw Fanning wrestle with the shark and then go under.
Back on land and shaking his head in disbelief, Fanning told spectators that he punched the shark. I instantly just jumped away, and then it just kept coming at my board. “It’s gotten me through the hardest times in my life”, he said.
“I felt so insignificant, the thing was so powerful and just moved so fast”.
“That’s when I just tried to position myself away from it. At that stage I was just screaming”.
Perrow said authorities would look to employ new and improving technologies to deter sharks, while pointing out that the South African stop was not the only location with a reputation for sharks.
Despite the hype, Fanning was just grateful for his escape, telling the media: “To walk away from a shark attack is a miracle…” Because of that, they have each other’s backs.
The board is trying to develop an undersea cable that emits a low electronic frequency pulse to ward off sharks. How would they clear the water of sharks?
For most bathers visiting South Africa’s beaches, the risk is low, said Cliff. “So thankful to be able to have this hug with @julian_wilson this man came to my aid like a warrior!!
You know, surfing’s given me so much”, Fanning said. She told him she had wanted to rip him right out of the TV screen.
“The safety of our athletes is a priority… we will cancel the remainder of #JBayOpen competition”, said WSL organizers. The league said in a statement that the two finalists agreed to split the money and receive points for second place finishes.
Advertisement
Mr Smith said he was happy no-one was seriously injured but his board would need a few repairs.
