This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

Great White Shark Jumps Into Fisherman's Boat

'He came right over the top of the motor and then dropped onto the floor.'

An Australian man out fishing almost became the bait on the weekend, when a 2.7 metre-long great white shark jumped into his boat.

Terry Selwood, 73, has told ABC News how he was fishing for snapper off Evans Head on the NSW north coast when the shark -- which measured as long as the deck on his boat -- leapt inside.

"I caught a blur of something coming over the boat," he said.

"The pectoral fin of the shark hit me on the forearm and knocked me down on the ground to my hands and knees."

"He came right over the top of the motor and then dropped onto the floor."

Selwood told the ABC the shark was 2.7 metres long and weighed around 200kg.

Terry Selwood jumped onto the gunnel of the boat to escape the trashing animal.
Facebook / ABC North Coast
Terry Selwood jumped onto the gunnel of the boat to escape the trashing animal.

With his arm bleeding and crouching on all fours, the stunned fisherman eyed off the shark, until it started thrashing around in the 4.5 metre-long boat.

"I couldn't get out quick enough onto the gunnel (the back of the boat)," Selwood said.

"I was losing a fair amount of blood, I was stunned, I couldn't register what happened and then I thought 'Oh my God, I've got to get out of here'."

The veteran fisherman was able to radio local marine rescue volunteers at Evans Head, which sent a crew out to rescue the 73-year-old before going back for the boat and the shark.

The shark was so heavy it had to be lifted out with a forklift before being taken away for autopsy.

Selwood was knocked onto all fours by the 2.7 metre long animal.
Marine Rescue Evans Head
Selwood was knocked onto all fours by the 2.7 metre long animal.

The Evans Head resident says he initially thought the shark was a mako, but was told by the Department of Primary Industries that it was a great white.

Despite the terrifying experience, Selwood -- who has been fishing for nearly 60 years -- said there was "no way in the world" it would stop him from getting back out on the water.

"I think next time I might find a crocodile to wrestle, just to stay in the limelight," he joked.

ALSO ON HUFFPOST AUSTRALIA

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.