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Shark Simon Williams has spoken of his relief at surviving a potentially life-threatening encounter with a British holidaymaker.
Williams was minding his own business swimming just off the coast north of Sydney, when a chance encounter with Doctor and full-time Brit Charlie Fry left him facing a series of potentially lethal blows.
He told us, “I was just swimming along thinking about stopping for something to eat when the next thing I know I’m being sucker-punched by this ‘Brit abroad’ – right in the small of the back and on the nose.
“I was stunned, but thankfully after a couple of punches he left me alone and I could make good my escape.
“Everyone knows the Brits are ridiculously dangerous creatures, but the oceans are also absolutely massive, so the chances of bumping into one out here are tiny – it’s not like it should stop us sharks swimming near the Australian coast.
“I don’t really blame the Brit himself, I mean, I read the newspapers, it’s in their nature – so I know he wasn’t necessarily being vindictive or needlessly lashing out. He just doesn’t know any better.
“I just consider myself one of the lucky ones who lived to tell the tale.”
Williams went on to say the media interest in the incident has left him something of a celebrity in shark circles.
“This one female asked how I got that big bruise on my nose, and when I told her I was punched by a holidaying Brit she just hung on every word before asking if she could touch it.
“Thanks mate.”
