Honeymoon surfer chased by great white shark
A Westcountry surfer has told of his brush with death after escaping a terrifying run-in with a Great White shark.
Nick Williams, a 47-year-old surfing commentator from Newquay, was surfing off Seal Point in South Africa when the huge shark, with its 18-inch fin out of the water, swam right past his board and made to bite his legs, he said.
The wave created by the large creature’s speed pushed Mr Williams towards the swell, allowing him to quickly paddle back to safety.
The attack occurred only two days after Mr Williams had married his wife, Nadine, at Jefferys Bay. He was surfing while on a break from commentating at the ASP Billabong Pro world tour event held nearby.
Describing the attack, he said: “I saw a seal swim past going quite fast. Shortly after a ripple went by and I thought it was a little fish that had been scared. It turned out to be the shark going underneath my board.
“Then the tail comes up and the shark turns towards me. It was an absolute monster, the size of a submarine. I could not believe it. I was frozen. I thought I’ve been married for two days and now I’m going to die.”
The traumatic experience has not dented Mr Williams’ confidence in surfing. Making a quick recovery from the ordeal, he was back in the water an hour later.
He said: “It has not put me off. Sharks don’t faze me. If you surf that can happen. I’m proud of going through something as radical as that and coming away.”
Fishermen's close call with shark in feeding frenzy off Devon coast
Mystery ancient sea creature stalks fish to their death off coast of Devon
Snap... holidaymaker Des captures photos of 8ft shark in port harbour
Fisherman's boat rammed by man-eating shark off coastline
Sea 'monster' spotted in Tor Bay stalking a shoal of fish
Trust chairman dismisses Great White sighting
Shark alert as experts declare Westcountry conditions 'perfect' for great white sharks
Fancy-dress whitetips get anxious glances on beach
Rare shark to be preserved for research
Shark surprise for Plymouth fisherman
Giant turtle snapped by kayakers
Comments