How Did Surfer Mick Fanning Survive Shark Attack? Punching It ‘Seemed To Do The Trick’

Australian surfer Mick Fanning's traumatizing shark attack made global headlines last week after it was caught on live TV.

The three-time world champion had been waiting for a wave to catch during the J-Bay Open in South Africa when an assumed Great White shark came out of nowhere and attacked him right in front of everyone.

Fortunately, he was able to fight off the predator and was rescued by motorboats moments later. The surfer came out unscathed except for a small cut on his hand.

Thanks to the video, the Internet immediately made Fanning famous for being surviving ordeal without getting hurt. Even shark scientist Greg Skomal thought he did great as well.

"The shark seemed pretty intent on hitting the board, which probably worked in the surfer's favor," Skomal pointed out to National Geographic after watching the footage. "He got away, unharmed, which is pretty incredible."

He also added that Mick Fanning "did everything right" during the shark attack, praising the athlete for his quick thinking.

"It looked like he put the board between him and the shark, he avoided the mouth, he struck the shark, and then moved away," he added.

According to the report, people should "aim for the nose, the eyes, or the gills, which are particularly sensitive, if possible."

In Fanning's case, he hit the animal on the back which still seemed to "do the trick."

Surfer Today listed the waters around the African continent as one of the most shark infested areas in the world. According to the 2014 data, 345 attacks have been recorded in the area with 94 deaths. South Africa, in particular, has had 241 attacks which includes 54 lost lives.

On the other hand, the USA and Australia are reportedly the most shark-infested waters in the world.

Meanwhile, Mick Fanning's shark attack didn't seem to faze the surfer as he returned to the sea merely a week after the harrowing ordeal.

"First surf back. Feels so good," he recently posted on his Instagram account, as The Daily Mail spotted him surfing on Snapper Rocks near the Gold Coast on Monday.