A man who was left needing surgery after some of his fingers were severed from a shark attack has recalled the terrifying moment that he fought the beast off with his feet.
Tai Juneau, 26, has described his frightening ordeal after surviving the horror attack in the waters off New Plymouth in New Zealand on Tuesday, November 2.
The former NZ Ski team member said he was treading waves when he noticed some strange water activity but didn't think anything of it, according to publication Stuff.
But shortly after the beast returned and violently went for Tai's right hand.
The 26-year-old said he wasn't in pain but was left horrified by his bloodied fingers.
“I was pretty disgusted and was in shock,” Juneau said. “Then I felt some tugs on my leg rope.”
He said the unexpected attack reminded him of a similar situation where professional surfer Mick Fanning tackled a shark – which led Juneau to hop off the board and get into the water.
“I didn’t want to give it a reason to lash out anymore,” Juneau said when recalling why he decided to get into the water.
“Instinctually I just gave some massive kicks and ended up connecting with one of them.”
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It seems that kicking the animal with his foot did the trick, as the shark swam off which enabled Juneau to quickly get back on his board to safety.
It was reported that he was ashore within 10 seconds of the nightmare attack and was able to drive himself to hospital.
Juneau had his tendons reattached during surgery on Thursday and says he has since been able to see the funny side – with his friends referring to him as shark bait.
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