Family of seals helps surfer escape shark attack

Lee Berryman, a 55-year-old Australian surfer, was attacked by a great white shark while surfing at D’Estrees Bay on the southern coast of Kangaroo Island, South Australia. The incident could have ended in tragedy, but a group of seals swimming nearby helped the man reach the shore before he bled out.

Seal escort for Aussie surfer

Berryman, a local with decades of surfing experience in the area, said the shark rammed into him “like a truck,” biting his back, buttock, and elbow. “As soon as I felt the hit, I knew it was a shark. I saw it head-on, punched it on the side of the snout, and after what felt like forever, it let go,” he told Australia’s Sunrise TV program.

After breaking free, the surfer started swimming toward the beach when he noticed two adult seals and a pup swimming alongside him, seemingly “escorting” him to safety. “It felt like they knew what was happening. They didn’t leave my side until I touched land,” he said. Once ashore, he managed to drive himself to the local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

According to Shark Watch South Australia, the shark – identified as a Carcharodon carcharias – may have been chasing one of the seals, which could explain the mistaken identity that led to the attack. In other words, they saved him, but they were also the reason for the confusion.

Local authorities reminded the public that Kangaroo Island is a hotspot for great white activity, due to the large colonies of sea lions and seals that populate its coast. In the past two years, four fatal attacks have been recorded in southern Australia.

Despite his serious injuries, Berryman is recovering well and says that while he plans to surf again, he won’t return to D’Estrees Bay. “I’m lucky to be alive. I guess the seals were my sea angels,” he said.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.