An Australian surfer took his life into his own hands, by punching a shark that was attacking him.
47-year-old Bruce Lucas was paddling in the murky waters off Saltwater Beach on the mid-north coast of New South Wales on Sunday afternoon, but he didn't know there was a shark lurking underneath the water, Seven News reported.
Lucas was paddling 60 metres offshore when the shark bit his arm, tearing a chunk out of his bicep. The brave surfer punched the shark multiple times to free himself from the shark's jaw. He eventually made his way into shore, bleeding heavily and was taken to Manning Base Hospital where he received 30 stitches.
A man fought off a #shark in #Taree and is in a stable condition. http://t.co/zjuX0pBAFC pic.twitter.com/SNctG1TOXl— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) May 3, 2015
Taree Police Inspector Neil Stephens told Seven News "he reached over and punched the shark multiple times with his right fist to make the shark let go." The Daily Telegraph reported a bull shark was thought to be responsible for the attack.
There has been a lot of debate over the years about whether punching a shark in its snout is the best way to fend off the creature. Most scientists agree that a shark's eyes are much more sensitive and not as close to the teeth. Either way, it worked for Lucas so it is worth a shot.