We often hear tales of misfortune, but what about those lucky enough to escape the jaws of death? Among these fortunate individuals is a select group who have survived harrowing shark attacks. With approximately 400 to 500 shark species inhabiting our oceans, only a small fraction, about 12, have been known to attack humans. Encounters with these apex predators can result in fatalities or leave lasting scars, both physical and emotional. Although sharks aren’t the man-killers portrayed in myths and movies, surviving an attack is a momentous occasion. The average number of unprovoked shark attacks is around 80 per year, but in 2020, there were only 57 attacks, with ten being fatal. Here are ten accounts of people who narrowly avoided death during shark encounters.
10 Saved by a Drone
In 2020, professional surfer Matt Wilkinson was paddling near Sharpes Beach in Australia, oblivious to a shark trailing him. Beau Monks, a drone operator surveying the water, spotted the shark. Monks quickly warned Wilkinson, who headed for the beach. Upon seeing the video footage, Wilkinson realized how close he had been to the shark, which was potentially distracted by the drone’s noise. Without the drone operator, the situation could have been fatal. By the way, 18 of those 57 unprovoked attacks in 2020 occurred in Australia!
9 Spearfishing Surprise
Jonathan Hernandez, a boat captain from Florida, was spearfishing with friends off Abaco Island in the Bahamas in 2019 when a shark attacked him. He was bitten on the calf but managed to swim to safety. His friends quickly applied a tourniquet, preventing further blood loss. Hernandez believes the attack was due to tourist-driven shark feeding businesses, which associate humans with food. This incident occurred just days before another shark attack in the Bahamas killed a young college student.
8 Missed Me by a…Foot
In 2019, 19-year-old Austin Reed was surfing with his brothers and friends at Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina when a shark grabbed his foot. Reed managed to pull his foot out, but it was severely cut. He was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center for surgery. The United States had the most unprovoked attacks in 2020, with 33, though only three were fatal. While the U.S. topped the list, Australia had the most deadly attacks, with six fatalities in 2020.
7 Fight Off a Shark, Take Selfie
In 2015, Braxton Rocha, a 27-year-old spear fisherman, was attacked by a tiger shark off the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Rocha punched the shark after it had his leg in its jaw. The shark let go, and Rocha swam to safety. He took selfies and videos of his injury, which required 100 staples to close.
6 Really…in the Middle of a Competition
Three-time world surfing champion Mick Fanning fought off a shark during a competition in South Africa. As a finalist in the J-Bay Open Competition in 2015, Fanning was waiting for his first wave when a fin appeared behind him. The shark collided with his surfboard, causing him to fall into the water. Fanning punched the shark on its back, avoiding injury. Rescue boats quickly intervened. Matt Wilkinson was also competing in this same competition!
5 Overboard for 28 Hours
In 2013, Brett Archibald fell overboard during a surfing trip to Indonesia. He stayed afloat for 28 hours, battling food poisoning and seasickness. During this time, he was bumped by seagulls and a shark, which thankfully didn’t attack him. He was eventually rescued by an Australian skipper after an extensive search.
4 Face-to-Face with a Great White
Rodney Fox, a filmmaker and conservationist, survived a great white shark attack at the age of 23 during a spearfishing competition in South Australia in 1963. Fox attempted to gouge out the shark’s eyes and sustained severe injuries, requiring 462 stitches. Despite shattered ribs and punctured lungs, the attack inspired him to dedicate his life to shark conservation.
3 Man Fights Off Shark to Save Partner’s Life
In August 2020, Chantelle Doyle, an environmental scientist, was surfing with her partner Mark Rapley in New South Wales when a great white shark attacked her. Rapley punched the shark until it released her, and other surfers joined in the rescue. Like Rodney Fox, Doyle and Rapley now advocate for shark conservation.
2 Punching for Survival
Dylan Nacass punched his way to survival during a shark attack while surfing at Bells Beach in Australia in 2020. After noticing the shark, Nacass tried to surf away, but the shark latched onto his leg. He punched the predator twice. Matt Sedunary, a local man, helped save Nacass after realizing he was under attack.
1 13-Year-Old Shark Attack Survivor
In 2018, 13-year-old Keane Webre-Hayes survived a great white shark attack while looking for lobsters in Leucadia, California. Three kayakers helped him get to shore, and he underwent surgery. He returned to the ocean nine months later, spearfishing in deep water.
These ten stories highlight the incredible will to survive and the sheer luck some individuals have experienced when faced with a shark attack. From drone rescues to courageous punches, these survivors remind us of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the importance of respecting its inhabitants.
What are your thoughts on these incredible escapes? Share your comments below!
