South African fisherman survives great white shark attack after poking it in the eye
'That guy really wanted me'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A fisherman was attacked by a great white shark and managed to fend off the animal by jabbing his thumb in its eye.
Mathieu Dasnois was on a coastal sight-seeing tour, near Port St. Johns, South Africa, when he asked to go in the water to test out his new mask.
The 29-year-old was swimming in the shallow water just 20 metres from the boat when the dorsal fin of the shark was spotted heading towards him.
"It was bloody huge," said Mr Dasnois, speaking from Mthatha, a city in the Eastern Cape province, told the Telegraph.
Mr Dasnois wrote on his Facebook page: "So before rumours start seeping too much: I am a shark attack survivor. I squared up with a 4m great white. Not my most successful fight, but I'm essentially fine. Will regain full use of my entire body. Got lucky and had great help. Except for my fin, the shark took my brand new fin. Grrrr.”
"Meh. The sea giveth and the sea taketh away. But that guy really wanted me. Must have been something I ate. I should slow down on the crayfish."
Despite the attack, the seasoned fisherman has said that he would like to swim in the water again "One day."
"But it will be close to a boat in very clear water,” he added.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments