Australian surfer fights off shark live on television during competition in South Africa
Mick Fanning escaped from the dramatic incident without injury
An Australian surfing champion fought back against a shark attack on live television during a competition in South Africa on Sunday, escaping from the terrifying scene without injury.
Mick Fanning, 34, was competing in the final heat of a world tour event at Jeffreys Bay in the country’s Eastern Cape province when a looming black fin appeared in the water behind him.
In a churn of water and spray, Fanning could be seen battling to fend off the shark.
Watch: Champion surfer fends off attacking shark
“It came up and got stuck in my leg rope,” he said in a television interview afterwards.
“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.”