Being attacked by a shark is one of man's greatest fears. Ever since Jaws hit our screens the shark, particularly the Great White, has taken on a mythical status as a ferocious killing machine.
Statistically, of course, you're more likely to be killed by a falling coconut than struck by the awesome jaws of a Great White. But then that was little consolation to South African Shannon Ainslie, who has the unenviable distinction of being the only man ever attacked by two Great White Sharks at the same time. And of course someone was there with a video camera.
At 15-years-old he was struck by two Great Whites while surfing in East London. The footage made him a local star and has been seen by millions on YouTube. Just one of the programs can be seen here:
Miraculously, despite two 4.5 meter sharks hitting him at the same time, Shannon escaped with 30 stitches and a broken wrist as the two sharks collided and that set him free. He did, however, end up staring a 15-foot killer in the face for several seconds while it decided what to do next.
He could be forgiven for never going out in to the water again. But Shannon and sharks are clearly meant to be together. Not only did he go back into the water, he has since been attacked once more when he was bumped off his surfboard and come close to a third when he helped another victim of yet another shark attack. And now?
He's still in those same waters, a known Great White Shark feeding ground, teaching kids to surf! He's a little bit nuts, obviously, and he also has a whole lot of faith and respect for the sharks. And as shark attack stories go, his is a winner!
Nick Hall
Web: www.nickhall.net
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
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