Years After 3x World Champion’s Terrifying Shark Attack on Live TV, Another Famous Personality Suffers Similar Fate

Surfing is the most lively sport of all time, but oh, the dangers of the sea! While the thrill of catching a roaring wave requires skills, it provides an unparalleled adrenaline rush. However, with the thrill comes the shark attacks which are a grave danger to surfers. One fine afternoon at the finals of the J-Bay Open in South Africa, the world witnessed one of the scariest shark attacks in history. 3-times World Champion Mick Fanning caught himself in a fight for life which was live broadcast in 2015.

Surfers, known for their laid-back and carefree attitude, sure let go of their fears as they glide over the waves descending into the water. And why not? The ocean opens its arms for humans to challenge themselves. Another such wave chaser-shark encounter took place on east-coast, with a documentary of surfers unfolding the “hilarious” incident.

Surfing waves repeat the horrifying history

New Jersey surf vlogger, Ben Gravy, shared a YouTube video on his channel where he documents his surfing endeavors and even shares some surfing moments. Gravy, along with his surfer buddy, went to the ocean, to end up with a highlight for his vlog titled “Perfect OFFSHORE Conditions & SHARK Scare in New Jersey.”

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The 19:91 long video shows Ben spotting the shark. He says, “I saw him on the inside,” referring to his friend who was surfing beside him when the encounter occurred, “and he was like, ‘What the f*ck is that?'” I rushed to the rocks instantly as I saw it. But I wasn’t going to give up the set.”, Ben replied. “Film it!”, he added.

With no seasonal waves hitting New Jersey, what continues to draw the attention of the locals is the shark attacks by the coast. Coming in contact with a shark is a reality that surfers might face anytime they enter the water. Another such incident from the past continues to serve as a reminder to the surfing community of the perils of the ocean. Many incidents from around the world envelop non-surfers with the fear of drowning, shark attacks, and other news that make it to the headlines, like the one in 2015.

The horrifying dangers of the sea

Back then, Australian surfer Mick Fanning was a finalist in the J-Bay Open in South Africa. As he waited for the opening wave to make his first move, a fin emerged at the surface behind Fanning. He tried to paddle away but instead got dragged off his board. Fanning told the World Surf League, “I was getting dragged under by my leg [rope], and then I felt like it kicked me off, but it was still there, and I was still attached to my board. I felt like it was dragging me under water, and then my leg rope broke, and I started swimming and screaming”.

When Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, was asked about the horrific incident, he acknowledged the unfortunate event of the shark’s presence in a contest, adding, “Mick Fanning is one hell of a relieved surfer.” Despite the setback, the Australian surfer fought the shark for his life returning to the finals. He retired in 2018 after competing in the WSL Championship Tour, having won a plethora of surfing titles like Rookie of the Year, the Billabong Pro, Australian Male Surfer of the Year (nine times), and Championship Tour Victories(22 times).

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