In a dramatic encounter off the coast of Western Australia, surf cameras captured a great white shark unsettling a foilboarder, creating a tense scene that unfolded around 5:45 p.m. yesterday. The incident took place approximately 50 meters from Prevelly Beach, located south of Perth.

The foilboarder, Andy McDonald, was seen unexpectedly plunging into the ocean, his movements frantic as he struggled to regain control. The fall happened as McDonald collided with the shark, and he described the alarming moment his leashes became entangled with the massive creature.

“I was basically in a panic, just punching and kicking,” McDonald recounted to 9News, detailing his instinctive fight to free himself from the entanglement.

With sheer determination, McDonald managed to break away from the shark, swiftly making his way back to the safety of the shore. “I didn’t even want to look up to see if there was a fin,” he admitted, “I just hoped it wouldn’t return.”

The encounter serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean, where such exhilarating sports can sometimes lead to unexpected and nerve-racking challenges. Despite the scare, McDonald’s quick thinking and actions likely played a crucial role in his safe return to land.

“I didn’t even want to look up to see if there was a fin. I was thinking, I just hope this thing doesn’t come back,” he said.

The shark had taken a chomp out of the board, just centimetres away from his feet.

But luckily, McDonald was uninjured. 

He had been between the Boat Ramp and the Bombie surfing spots when the encounter took place.

A shark warning is now in place for the area, with people urged to take extra caution.

Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are monitoring the situation.