As 15-Year-Old Surfer Survives Jaws of Death, Recalling Six Surfing Legends Who Also Suffered the Same Fate

If surfing in itself wasn’t dangerous enough, there is always the fear of what lies lurking under the water. In yet another unfortunate incident of a shark attack, 15-year-old Maggie Drozdowski from New Jersey has been injured. While Drozdowski was floating with the aid of her surfboard in Stone Harbor’s 109th Street Beach on Sunday, she felt a sensation on her leg. The sensation quickly turned into a pull and in no time she discovered it was a shark attack. The scary encounter lasted for about 5 seconds before she could escape. While she ended up with several lacerations and deep wounds on her left leg, thanks to Cape Regional Medical Center she will be better now.

Shark attacks are possibly the scariest thing that can happen to anyone, let alone surfers. Many have survived the ordeal and lived to tell the tale, while others have not so much. Here’s a list of 6 such instances where the great oceanic beasts attacked surfers. While some braved, others were bested by the beast.

1. The Jersey Shore (New Jersey, USA, 1916)

Inertia magazine listed 6 such instances of surfers and shark attacks and the first on the list is one of the oldest known shark attacks to happen in 1916. It wasn’t just a lonesome incident, but instead a rampage. As many as 5 shark attacks happened in 10 days and ended up killing 4 people. A heat wave in 1916 pushed thousands of people to the coast of New Jersey, and these attacks have come to be known as The Jersey Shore Attacks of 1916. The series of events are often regarded to be the inspiration for the blockbuster 1975 Steven Speilberg movie ‘Jaws’.

2. Rodney Fox (Aldinga Beach, Australia, 1963)

Rodney Fox of Aldinga Beach, Australia takes the 2nd spot in the list. This was years ago in 1963, when a Spearfishing Championship was happening in Adelaide. He got bit by a Great White Shark, probably in the most ghastly manner. His diaphragm was punctured, his lungs were ripped, and his ribcage was crushed. Fox still lived to tell his tale.

3. Bethany Hamilton (Kauai, Hawaii, 2003)

Next on the list is Bethany Hamilton, whose story became world-famous after the 2011 film about her ordeal, ‘Soul Surfer’. At merely 13 years old, Hamilton suffered the wrath of a 14-foot Tiger Shark at Tunnels Beach, Kauai, Hawaii. This was a devastating attack, as Hamilton lost her left arm forever. However, crafting a story for millions and being an inspiration to everyone, she went back into the waters later in her life. Hamilton still swims to date. She even believes her fear of never surfing again is bigger than her fear of sharks.

4. Elio Canestri (Cape Homard, Reunion Island, 2015)

Elio Canestri from Cape Homard, Reunion Island comes next on the list. Just like Hamilton, he too was 13 years old when he met with a shark attack. Unlike Hamilton, he didn’t survive the attack. An 8-foot bull shark came out of nowhere to attack the then 13-year-old and killed him for good. It sparked huge outrage and there was a ban on surfing at the Reunion Island.

READ MORE – Despite Heroic Act of Local Surfer After Spotting 2 Brothers Drowning, Horrifying Fate Rocks Surfing Community

5. Mick Fanning (J-Bay, South Africa, 2015)

5th on the list to have survived a shark attack is Mick Fanning in J-Bay, South Africa. It was during the J-Bay competitions in 2015 when the 3-time World Champion was paid a visit by a Great White Shark. Fanning was unafraid and held his nerves. He eventually fought and struggled his way out of its jaws.

6. John Braxton (Big Island, Hawaii, 2016)

Last but not least on this list is John Braxton. He was another spearfisher who suffered the same fate in 2016. In Big Island, Hawaii, Braxton was bitten by a 13-foot Tiger Shark, who almost detached his leg. Instead, he lost a huge mass from his leg but somehow survived. He swam to shore in that condition and then his partner tied a tourniquet.

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There have been many more shark attacks in the history of humankind, but surfers always look out for the next best destination, unafraid of what may come. However, a certain level of precaution is always necessary.