This has never happened before in the history of the World Surf League’s (WSL) championship tour (CT).
However, that it was the 34-year-old Australian’s quick reaction that saved his life.
Fanning managed to keep his surfboard between him and the shark, while punching the animal in the back.
The three-time world champ got separated from his board when his leg rope snapped and he swam towards shore while alerting fellow competitor Julian Wilson and the water patrol of the danger.
The water safety team was very quick to get to the surfers who immediately got onto the jet skis and out of the water.
After discussions with both Fanning and Wilson, organisers called off the event while the surfers both earned second place rankings points and split the prize money.
Kieren Perrow, WSL Commissioner, said they were extremely grateful no one got hurt.
“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.”
Fanning was understandably in some shock after the incident.
“I was just sitting there and I felt something grab or get stuck in my leg rope and I instantly just jumped away,” said Fanning.
“It just kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming. I just saw fins, I didn’t see any teeth. I was waiting for the teeth to come at me as I was swimming. I punched it in the back.”
Julian Wilson said it doesn’t matter that no champion was crowned as Fanning’s life is more important.
“The results don’t mean anything to me, I’m just happy he’s alive. I literally thought when I was paddling for him that I wasn’t going to get there in time, especially when I saw him off his board and swimming away. I thought it was going to grab him and take him under. I’m so happy we’re both on the beach right now, I was so worried about Mick’s life.”
Watch the attack as it happened live:
Highlights from the final day at the JBay Open:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9Ht0lBA-x0
View how the events unfolded in pictures:
A screengrab from the WSL streaming during the final when the shark approaches Mick Fanning from Australia. Image: WSL
Mick Fanning realises something is stuck on his leg rope and tries to pull away. Image: WSL
Mick Fanning tries to jump away from the shark. Image: WSL
Mick Fanning fought off the shark by punching the animal and keeping his board between them. Image: WSL
Mick Fanning (blue) swims away from his board and signals for the water patrol after being attached by a Shark at the JBay Open on Sunday, July 19, 2015. Photo: WSL/Kirstin
Mick Fanning of Australia (blue) and Julian Wilson of Australia (red) climbing to safety after a shark attack on Fanning at the JBay Open on Sunday July 19, 2015. Photo: WSL/Kirstin
Mick Fanning of Australia (blue) and Julian Wilson of Australia (red) climbing to safety after a shark attack on Fanning at the JBay Open on Sunday, July 19, 2015. Photo: WSL/Kirstin
Mick Fanning of Australia (blue) catches his breath from the safety of the ski as the water safety team search for the shark that attacked him during the Final of the JBay Open on Sunday, July 19, 2015. Photo: WSL/Kirstin
A screengrab from the WSL streaming as the water patrol reaches the surfers and circles Mick Fanning’s surfboard. Image: WSL
Mick Fanning of Australia emotionally explains what he went through while being attacked by a shark during the Final of the JBay Open on Sunday, July 19. Photo: WSL/ Cestari
Mick Fanning of Australia looked to the skies and thanked whoever was looking after him after explaining to Kelly Slater (USA) (right) what he went through while being attacked by a shark during the Final of the JBay Open on Sunday July 19, 2015.
Photo: WSL/ Cestari
Mick Fanning of Australia is hugged by Kelly Slater (USA) after being attacked by a shark during the Final of the JBay Open on Sunday, July 19. Photo: WSL/Kirstin
Mick Fanning of Australia (pictured) holds his head in his hands taking the gravity of the situation after being attacked by a shark during the JBay Open on Sunday, July 19. Photo: WSL/Kirstin
Julian Wilson hugs Mick Fanning (blue) from the safety of shore after Fanning was attacked by a shark during the Final of the JBay Open on Sunday, July 19. Photo: WSL/Kirstin
Mick Fanning of Gold Coast, Australia winning Semifinal heat to advance into the Finals at the JBay Open on Sunday, July 19. Photo: WSL/Kirstin
Julian Wilson of Coolum Beach, Queensland, Australia rode the only wave of the JBay Open final before it was called off due to a shark attack on his opponent Mick Fanning (AUS) at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.
Photo: WSL / Cestari
Mick Fanning of Tweed Heads, New South Wales, Australia winning his Quarter Final heat to advance into the Semifinals of the JBay Open on Sunday, July 19. Photo: WSL / Cestari
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