The surfers were shown embracing after the event, the relief clearly visible on both of their faces. Fanning, 34, escaped uninjured but shaken after he "punched [the shark] in the back" and scrambled on to the back of a jet-ski. Mick Fanning was attacked by a shark during the J-Bay Open, managing to punch and kick it away. Credit:World Surf League Kelly Slater, from the US, the 11-time world surfing champion, also consoled Fanning after the incident in the final of the J-Bay Open, drawing him into an embrace. "Now I've seen it all," Slater said following the attack.

"I was coming up the beach and I saw all the boats and skis go straight to the line-up. "I knew there was only one possible reason that would ever happen in a contest and that's if someone got attacked by a shark. Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater hug after Fanning was attacked by a shark. Credit:World Surf League/Kirstin Scholtz "I ran up the beach trying to get some information. I'm halfway between crying and laughing because he [Fanning] got so lucky. I'm lost for words to be honest. We almost just watched our friend get eaten by a shark and I'm just blown away that there's no damage at all."

The World Surf League, which runs the competition, said it was the first time in surfing history that there had been an attack during a world championship event, and fellow surfers were dumbfounded and incredulous that he had escaped unharmed. Queensland professional surfer Bede Durbidge said it was the "heaviest thing I have ever seen", while professional surfer Malia Manuel described it as a "moment in surfing we won't forget". Australian surfing champion Layne Beachley said Fanning was "very fortunate" to be alive. We almost just watched our friend get eaten by a shark and I'm just blown away that there's no damage at all. Kelly Slater South Africa's waters are well known for shark attacks and sightings, including at Jeffreys Bay, in the Eastern Cape province, which is recognised as one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world.

The last reported incident of a surfer being killed by a great white shark close to Jeffreys Bay was in 2013.

Other sportspeople were also astounded.