Mick Fanning Shark Attack: Pro Surfer Fights Off Shark Attack Mid-Competition [VIDEO]

Mick Fanning, a pro surfer, fought off a shark attack mid-competition on Sunday during the finals of the J-Bay Open in South Africa.

Mick Fanning Attacked By Shark Mid-Competition

Fanning, 34, an Australian surfer and world champion, was in the final heat of the J-Bay Open, organized by the 2015 Samsung Galaxy World Surf League Champions Tour when the attack occurred. Fanning was sitting on his board, patiently awaiting a wave, when suddenly a large shark fin popped out of the water. The two clearly struggled, and both disappeared underwater for a few seconds. When he emerged, Fanning called for Water Safety and was safely removed from the water.

Fanning escaped unharmed, and the competition was immediately put on hold. Fanning was clearly shaken by the encounter, showing his severed foot leash – chomped clean from his board by the shark, believed to have been a young great white.