Mick Fanning's mum recalls terror of watching him fighting for his life during shark attack

ABC Australia ^ | 7/19/2015 | Abc,net.au

[ponygirl]

While Australian surfer Mick Fanning fought for his life against a shark in South African waters, his mum watched the terrifying moment back at home on live television.

Fanning emerged unscathed after fighting off the shark which attacked him while he waited for his first wave in the final of the World Surf League (WSL) event at Jeffreys Bay.

His mother Elizabeth Osborne said as she saw the event unfold she walked towards the television as if to "pull him out" and rescue him.

[ponygirl]

Stunning video of the attack at the link, plus interview with Fanning.

[ComputerGuy]

I saw that yesterday. I’d give it a pucker factor of at least nine. That was one big shark.

[ponygirl]

I’ve watched this repeatedly and in slo mo...that shark was not looking to bite him. It almost looks like it just bumped him with its nose and flipped him off his board, and then it looks like it whacked him in the face with its tail. That fin was HUGE! He was so lucky he didn’t get hurt!

[ComputerGuy]

You’re right - the shark didn’t seem overly aggressive, although it bit though the surfer’s tether, or whatever it’s called.

[no-s]

the shark didn’t seem overly aggressive,

When they're curious, they often take a bite for a sample. That's still a shark attack that can kill you. From the looks of the vid it cruised in and then charged him and cut off the tether two feet from his ankle. The shark was probably only momentarily deterred by his response. Good thing the waverunners and the rib came in immediately, that probably spooked the shark a bit.

[ComputerGuy]

Yeah. That was one scarey scene. I spend lots (too much) of time in my boat out deep-sea fishing. Over the years I've seen dozens, if not hundreds of really big sharks, including a few great whites. What is scarey, though, is the number of bull sharks I see in shallow water, cruising up and down the beach, mere feet from bathers. I think we've had about eight shallow-water attacks here in NC this summer. That's not surprising, considering the record number of visitors.

About ten years or so ago, about sixty miles offshore, I watched as a beautiful sea turtle was literally inhaled by the biggest hammerhead I've ever seen.

Y'all be careful out there.