During the televised J-Bay Open surfing competition in South Africa, surfer Mick Fanning can be seen fighting off a shark attack. The water was cleared and competition stopped after Fanning's encounter with the shark at Jeffreys Bay.
"The J-Bay Open has been called off after Finalist Mick Fanning (AUS) was attacked by a shark in the lineup. The water was cleared and both he and fellow finalist Julian Wilson (AUS) were quickly picked up by safety nearby safety boats.
"Fanning was unharmed, and both surfers will meet with the Commissioner.
"We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured today. 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. We appreciate the ongoing support we have in South Africa and once again want to express our gratitude to the Water Safety Team," the World Surf League said.
"I just can't believe it. I'm just tripping. To walk away from that, I'm just so stoked.
"All of the sudden, I just had this instinct that something was behind me. And then all of the sudden, I felt like I started getting pulled underwater. Then the [shark] came up, and I was on my board and it was like right there, and I saw the whole thing thrashing around.
"I was getting dragged under by my leg wrap, and then I felt like it kicked me off, but it was still there, and I was still attached to my board. I felt like it was dragging me underwater, and then my leg wrap broke, and I started swimming and screaming," Fanning said.
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