Mick Fanning, moments before the Final of
the 2015 J-Bay Open. Multiple rounds had run already, with no hint of
sharks in the lineup, so no one could have predicted what was about to
happen. Photo: Miller
Fanning, moments after the attack. The
shark bit through his leash then tangled with Fanning before moving on
through the lineup. Photo: Miller
Fanning, fighting for his life. Photo: Moran
For Fanning, it was first fight, and then
flight. Without his board, he instinctively began swimming toward shore
as help headed his way. Photo: Miller
Somewhere in this picture, a shark lurks underwater. Luckily, no one was hurt. Photo: Moran
Julian Wilson was paddling back up to the
point after catching the first wave of the heat, and he arrived to Mick
at the same time as the Water Patrol, who made an incredibly swift and
timely rescue. Photo: Miller
An intense moment of panic tested the Water Patrol, whose reaction may have saved a life. Photo: Moran
The calm after the storm. Photo: Moran
Mick Fanning and Julian Wilson, with more
adrenaline pumping through their veins than most mere mortals could
handle. Photo: Miller
Mick Fanning recounts the attack back on land. Of course, he landed a punch. Photo: Miller
Slater commented on the attack by saying,
"I don't know whether to laugh or cry." With Fanning safe, and him and
Wilson both back on land, they found themselves between the two emotions
as well. Photo: Miller
Wilson and Fanning will split the 1st
place prize, points, and money, and no more heats will be surfed at the
2015 J-Bay Open. Photo: Miller
