Australian surfer Julian Wilson is being hailed a courageous legend for paddling towards a great white shark while it was attacking Mick Fanning at the J-Bay Open surf competition in South Africa.
A shaken Fanning said he’d be happy to never compete again after he incredibly emerged unscathed following the close encounter, which was broadcast live at the World Surf League (WSL) event’s final at Jeffreys Bay on Sunday.
Wilson, who was competing against compatriot Fanning, watched in shock as the giant fin approached the 34-year-old.
Instead of heading for shore, Wilson paddled towards the shark to try and help his friend but was anxious he couldn’t get to him quick enough.
“It came up and he was wrestling it, and I saw he got knocked off his board,” an emotional Wilson said through tears afterwards.
“I was like `I’ve got a board, if I can get there I can stab it or whatever, I’ve got a weapon’.”
Wilson’s actions were hailed as heroic by Twitter users watching the final, which was abandoned in wake of the frightening incident.
“Julian Wilson is real as hell for helping Mick fanning when he got attacked,” one user wrote of the 26-year-old.
Another gave an “outstanding honourable mention to Julian Wilson WHO SWAM TOWARDS THE SHARK, to help Fanning out #bloodylegend”.
“Loved how @julian_wilson paddled straight for the situation and not the beach. That’s courage!” added another.
Meanwhile, Wilson and Fanning’s surfing colleagues were quick to express their relief that the pair were alive and well after the dramatic video footage showed just how close the incident could have been to a tragedy.
“So so relieved @Mick_Fanning & @julian_wilson made it out of lineup unharmed after Mick was terrifyingly attacked by a shark at #JBayOpen,” Sally Fitzgibbons posted.
Fellow Aussie Owen Wright was just “glad my friends are alive”, while American star Lakey Peterson echoed many other surfers’ sentiments that it as “truly one of the heaviest things I have ever seen”.
Hawaiian surfer Coco Ho wrote: “COURAGEOUS is an understatement. Mad love and respect for these two.”
Surfer Julian Wilson (right) embraces Mick Fanning after their brush with a huge shark. Photo: Supplied by World Surf League
