A professional surfing competition almost ended in tragedy when a shark headed straight for an Australian surfer paddling out to set up for his competition run.
Spectators and viewers at home witnessed the three-time world champion Mick Fanning's encounter with a great white shark in the waters of Jeffreys Bay in South Africa during the Sunday finals of the ASP world tour.
The pro-surfer escaped without any injuries and fellow competitor Julian Wilson was also led to safety by the fast acting water safety personnel present at the event. Fanning said in a statement regarding his harrowing experience: "I just saw fins. I didn't see the teeth. I was waiting for the teeth to come at me as I was swimming. I punched it in the back."
After watching the ordeal, fans and viewers started posting their reaction on Twitter regarding the unbelievable close encounter of Fanning with one of the ocean's greatest predators.
Tweets started with well wishes from Fanning Fans:
Thanks the Lord @Mick_Fanning is OK
Not Today!! @Mick_Fanning was born again #Blessed May God always protect all surfers! #SharkAttack #BornToBeWild pic.twitter.com/GpZLFObN15
— Leandro Barbosa (@TheBlurBarbosa) July 19, 2015
While some expressed their shock after watching the video:
The most frightening thing I've ever scene in a sporting event @Mick_Fanning attacked by shark #safenow #thankgod #JBay
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) July 19, 2015
Did I really just wake up to seeing that
WSL Commissioner Kieran Perrow mirrored the sentiments of the thousands of people who watched the incident unfold on their TV and computer screens when he said: "We're just happy to see [Fanning] safe and alive. It's not something you believe would ever happen, and to see it unfold on live [television] is incredibly scary for everyone."
Not all tweets were serious though, some people found a way to infuse encouragement and humor into the incident:
There is only one thing #MickFanning says to sharks: pic.twitter.com/RWVjNUbtUP
— Sam Spettigue (@ninjaspag) July 19, 2015
Some shark was like "I hope they have one of those surfing competitions today, I'm tired of fish." #MickFanning
— Mike E. Winfield (@MikeEWinfield) July 19, 2015
Whatever titles Mick Fanning has won in his career, surely "Shark Puncher" is the most impressive. #mickfanning
— Charlie Clausen (@CXClausen) July 19, 2015
Even though the event was cancelled, Fanning and Wilson split the prize money and competition points for the first place spot, but the best prize both surfers got out of the competition is being able to walk out of the event unharmed.
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