Australian world surfing champion Mick Fanning, who was attacked by a shark during the J-Bay Open surf event in South Africa, managed to escape without any injuries. The incident was witnessed by thousands of television audiences as the event was being broadcasted live on TV.

The video of the incident shows the 34-year-old punching the shark in the back.

"It came up and got stuck in my leg rope," Fanning told News.com.au. "I instantly jumped away. It kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming. I just saw fins. I didn't see teeth. I was waiting for the teeth to come at me. I punched it in the back."

A major disaster was averted as the rescue workers were able to quickly reach the spot and pulled out Fanning on time. The organiser have cancelled the event for the day, after it was confirmed that two sharks were spotted in the open waters at J-Bay.

The Sunday's shark attack is claimed to be a first during a world tour event.

Michael Eugene "Mick" Fanning, is more famously known as the "White Lightning." The Australian professional surfer is triple world champion. Fanning won the 2007, 2009 and 2013 ASP World Tour.

Twitter Reactions

Andrew Seraphin ‏@AndrewSeraphin 

Two GW sharks attack on one of best surfers in the world during competition. Legitimately scary.

Lisa ‏@PaganX

Holy Crap! Glad he's Okay!

Russ Courtney ‏@Russ_Courtney 

This is insane. Surfer attacked by shark on live TV

Pete Santilli ‏@PTSantilli 

No athletes harmed in shark attack at J-Bay Open surfing competition in South Africa; event called of

Alexandria Hoff ‏@AlexandriaHoff 

WOW. Have you seen this? A surfer is confronted by a #shark during the #JBayOpen in South Africa

Shark Attack Video

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