A shocking incident unfolded when a foilboarder was launched into the air by a large shark at Prevelly Beach in Western Australia. Andy McDonald, equipped with a foilboard featuring a hydrofoil and a wingfoil sail, found himself in a terrifying situation as the shark approached him around 5:45 pm on November 10.
Surveillance footage captured the moment when the foilboard and Mr. McDonald were dragged underwater, with his wrist leash becoming entangled with the shark. Cameras at the beach recorded the foilboarder struggling in the water next to the massive shark after being struck by the animal, describing the impact as being hit “like a freight train.”
Despite the intense encounter, the 61-year-old managed to fend off the shark and escaped unharmed, although his beloved foilboard suffered significant damage. Neil Mattinson, a friend of Mr. McDonald, noted that the severity of the situation began to sink in once they reached the shore.
The incident’s specifics remain somewhat unclear, including the shark species involved, but efforts are underway to identify it through DNA extracted from the damaged foilboard. A shark advisory was issued for the beach following the attack, though it remained open to the public.
Undeterred by the ordeal, Mr. McDonald returned to the waves the day after the incident, highlighting the resilience of dedicated surfers in the face of such challenges.
