Surfer punches shark to escape WA attack. 24/09/2005. ABC News Online
Surfer punches shark to escape WA attack
A Western Australian surfer has had a lucky escape, after being attacked by a shark off Scarborough beach in Perth.
Brad Satchell, 44, says he was surfing about 120 metres off the coast this morning, when the shark came straight at him.
He says he was able to punch the shark several times before paddling to safety.
Mr Satchell believes the shark may have been a bronze whaler, more than one metre in length.
He says it was a frightening experience.
"I actually had a smile on my face when I first seen the thing because I thought it was a seal," he said.
"I can remember I was actually smiling, but then it just changed and I thought wow this thing is going to have a go at me.
"Probably two or three foot before it tried to attack me, I turned my board on the side to use it as a shield.
"I lifted my body out of the water and I just got my fists and I remember what I'd read in the paper - I just started punching and I connected with its head."
ABC NEWS
A Western Australian surfer has had a lucky escape, after being attacked by a shark off Scarborough beach in Perth.
Brad Satchell, 44, says he was surfing about 120 metres off the coast this morning, when the shark came straight at him.
He says he was able to punch the shark several times before paddling to safety.
Mr Satchell believes the shark may have been a bronze whaler, more than one metre in length.
He says it was a frightening experience.
"I actually had a smile on my face when I first seen the thing because I thought it was a seal," he said.
"I can remember I was actually smiling, but then it just changed and I thought wow this thing is going to have a go at me.
"Probably two or three foot before it tried to attack me, I turned my board on the side to use it as a shield.
"I lifted my body out of the water and I just got my fists and I remember what I'd read in the paper - I just started punching and I connected with its head."
ABC NEWS
posted by Warrick at 11:15 AM
