Mick Fanning, an expert surfer from Australia, survived a shark attack during the J Bay competition that took place in Jeffreys Bay in South Africa on Sunday, July 19.

Mick Fanning escaped a shark attack during a live broadcast of a surfing competition http://t.co/qYBKIlXx4v pic.twitter.com/JLU2VpH57g

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Fanning, who is three times the world champion in surfing, was caught by a shark as soon as he started surfing in J Bay finals. World Surfing League officials suspended the competition as soon as this incident happened and got Fanning and his fellow competitor Julian Wilson on board in the rescue process, reported The Washington Post.

Fanning felt something behind him when he was waiting for the tide, and he was pulled intp the water just when the shark showed up. He was taken further deep with the board and his leg rope tightened on his leg until it broke and set him free. Upon reaching the surface of the water from down under, Fanning swam and screamed, according to The Guardian.

"I was just sitting there, I was just about to start moving, and then I felt something grab, just get stuck in my leg rope," said Fanning. He also added: "I instantly just jumped away, and then it just kept coming at my board. I was kicking and screaming. I just saw fins. I didn't see the teeth. I was waiting for the teeth to come at me as I was swimming. I punched it in the back."

Meanwhile the commentator of the competition said gladly that he is much relieved seeing Fanning in one piece after being attacked by the shark, noted Fox Sports.

Elizabeth Osborne, who was much terrified watching the incident on television, said that it was the worst of the things she ever saw happening to one of her family members right before her eyes.

Osborne also said, "It was absolutely terrifying. I actually got up and walked across to the television because I just couldn't believe what I was seeing and I thought we lost him." She then added: "I went over to the television almost as though I could pull him out of the television. I just wanted to save him really, but there was nothing I could do."

TagsMick Fanning, J Bay competition, shark attack, World Surfing League, Julian Wilson