Professional surfer Mick Fanning has recounted a harrowing encounter with a great white shark during a recent competition at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. The incident, which occurred as Fanning was positioned in the lineup awaiting a wave, involved a sudden and aggressive interaction with the shark that forced the athlete to defend himself in the water.

According to Fanning’s detailed account, he was scanning the horizon when he noticed a large splash behind him and caught sight of a dark shape in the water. Instinctively, he positioned himself upright on his surfboard to shield his body. Moments later, the shark struck, grabbing Fanning’s leg leash and delivering a forceful tail strike to his face. The impact dislodged him from his board and dragged him underwater before he managed to resurface.

Fanning described the shark’s repeated advances, including a direct collision. In response, he said he lashed out with punches and kicks, an action he believes helped him avoid a more serious attack. As the shark retreated, Fanning urgently warned fellow competitor Julian Wilson, who initially continued paddling toward him despite the warning.

The tense situation ended with Fanning being rescued by a nearby jetski that escorted him safely back to shore. Friends and teammates immediately surrounded him, visibly shaken and emotional, highlighting the gravity of the encounter. Fanning noted the dramatic contrast between his own sense of relief and the evident trauma experienced by those close to him.

Following the event, Fanning and Wilson were taken to the commissioner’s office, where they reviewed footage of the attack. The replay, broadcast live worldwide, showed the moment the shark struck and the subsequent struggle that was partially obscured by a wave. Fanning said viewing the footage helped him process the encounter more fully.

The event’s safety team and commentators praised Fanning’s composure and swift reactions during the incident. Mick Fanning himself attributed his survival to a mixture of quick instincts and what he described as “someone looking after us.” The World Surf League’s tour commissioner, Kieren Perrow, was present and expressed relief at Fanning’s safety after the close call.

This encounter serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks professional surfers face in ocean competitions, where wildlife interactions, including shark encounters, remain a challenging and unpredictable danger.