A 61-year-old Australian windsurfer miraculously survived a close encounter with a great white shark that bit his board but left him unharmed during an evening session at a popular surf spot in Western Australia, highlighting a dramatic escape from one of nature’s predators.
On Monday evening, November 10, 2025, Andy McDonald was windsurfing on his hydrofoil board at the Bombie surf break near Margaret River, a renowned destination in Western Australia. Around 5:45 PM, as he navigated the waves, he was suddenly thrown into the air and plunged into the water after an unseen force struck his board. Footage captured the board being dragged beneath the surface, followed by intense splashing, signaling the presence of a large shark in the vicinity.
In the chaotic moments following the impact, McDonald realized he was under attack and instinctively fought back. “I fell onto it and was like, punching it,” he recalled in a video shared by local media. With adrenaline surging, he used his sail to lift himself partially out of the water, reducing his exposure to the predator, and began screaming for help as he struggled in the swells.
Fortunately, his friend, identified as Matto or Neil Mattinson, was nearby and responded immediately to his cries. The pair spent about 15 minutes paddling back to shore, with Matto providing crucial assistance by pushing McDonald along. Despite the terrifying ordeal, McDonald emerged completely unscathed, with no physical injuries, though the experience left him shaken.
The only tangible evidence of the attack was a large bite mark on his hydrofoil board, which locals estimated could have been inflicted by a shark approximately three meters in length. McDonald did not get a clear view of the animal but suggested it might have been a juvenile white pointer shark based on the bite size, described as 350 to 380 millimeters in diameter.
In response to the incident, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development issued a shark warning for the Prevelly area near Margaret River, urging beachgoers to exercise caution and avoid the water. Officials are now analyzing the damaged board to confirm the species involved, though results may take up to two weeks, as part of standard procedures for such interactions.
This event adds to the growing statistics of shark incidents in Australia, where 2025 has seen 17 recorded encounters, three of which were fatal, according to the Australian Shark Incident Database maintained by Taronga Conservation Society. The long-term increase in such incidents is often attributed to factors like more people engaging in water activities, climate change affecting marine habitats, and habitat depletion.
McDonald’s escape has been widely praised as a miracle, with witnesses and online commentators commending his quick thinking and resilience. In the aftermath, he expressed relief and humor, noting he might not sleep for a week, but emphasized his survival as a stroke of luck. The incident underscores the unpredictable risks of ocean sports and the importance of vigilance in regions known for shark activity.
