Former surfing world champion Mick Fanning has survived a shark attack during a surfing event at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa.
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The attack was broadcast live on television with Fanning remarkably coming out unscathed. The shark ominously followed Fanning as he sat on his board, before attacking him from behind.
"I was just sitting there and I felt something just get stuck in my leg rope, and I was kicking, trying to get it away," Fanning said afterwards.
"I instantly just jumped away. It kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming.
"I just saw fins. I was waiting for teeth. I punched it in the back," he said.
There were also unconfirmed reports of a second shark involved
Fanning was competing in a heat against fellow Australian Julian Wilson in the world tour event final. The event was called off for the day following the attack.
Jeffreys Bay, or J-Bay as it is commonly known, is infamous for shark attacks.
Fanning was crowned surfing world champion in 2007, 2009 and 2013.
