The shark terror has emigrated from the United States to down south in the crystal clear waters of the Australian coastline. The risk to life and limbs with deadly shark attacks on every corner of the globe has traced a disturbing, gory pattern that cannot be ignored. However, the adventure seekers are not deterred even when horrifying tales have permeated forays into the ocean. One Western Australian native and thrill-seeker had braved the monstrous waves, only to find the jaws of death awaiting him.

Troy Brown, 46, did not imagine that he would be spending Christmas on the hospital bed. However, under unlucky circumstances, the man found himself fighting for his life in a shark attack that happened on Christmas Eve. Here’s what happened.

A bone-chilling shark attack on Christmas Eve

Troy Brown had booked a vacation for his family in the town of Lancelin, which is situated about 150 km north of Perth. The couple and their three children had been staying in the Wedge Island shacks. Interestingly, on Christmas Eve, Brown wanted to try out the obscure watersport of foil-boarding. At first, everything seemed normal until he tripped over something and fell into the water. Troy Brown spoke to a correspondent from 9News to relay his harrowing experience.

He said, “I fell into the water and fell straight into its mouth”. Freeing himself from the predator, Brown raced back to the shore, “watching the blood run out all over the deck of the board”. This was not Troy Brown’s first maritime expedition in Perth. In fact, he was familiar with the waters of the area and seldom encountered any dangerous marine creatures. He was caught off-guard when the shark attack took place, but his presence of mind saved his life.

Troy Brown’s heroic response

Most people would become frantic watching a puddle of their blood dripping into shark-infested waters. However, Troy Brown knew that the key to survival was remaining calm and not panicking. Thus, he slowly paddled back 2.5 km to the shores of safety, all the while searching for the predator in the water under his board. When he reached the shore, Brown tiptoed through the sand to keep his open wounds away from the rough terrain.

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His family immediately brought Brown to Joondalup Health Campus, where he will be recovering for the next two weeks. He needed over 40 stitches to patch up the 20 puncture wounds on his ankle, but his love for the ocean has not diminished.

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