A surfer who encountered a shark attack shared how he escaped the dangerous situation with a simple self-defense maneuver. Alejo Santiñaque, 20, was bitten by a shark while waiting for a wave at Red Cliff in Morton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Despite being dragged underwater and entangled in his surfboard leash, Alejo managed to free himself from the shark’s grasp using a quick reaction.

In a Facebook post, Alejo described the swift sequence of events, emphasizing his immediate response to the shark’s attack. He recounted the intense moments where he kicked the shark to release its grip and swam quickly towards safety. His friends on the shore promptly assisted him with his injuries, applying a tourniquet until medical help arrived.

Alejo expressed gratitude for his friends’ prompt actions and staying composed during the crisis. He acknowledged the severity of the bite, noting skin and muscle damage along with tendon injuries but expressed no ill will towards the shark. Reflecting on the incident, he emphasized the importance of respecting sharks as vital components of the marine ecosystem and highlighted the inherent risks associated with ocean activities.

The incident occurred shortly before a fatal shark attack in Western Australia, where a diver lost his life to a suspected 4.5m shark while spearfishing near Michaelmas Island. Despite the tragic event, Alejo remains focused on recovery and returning to his passion for surfing.