Australian Man Fights Off Great White in Terrifyingly Close Encounter

The great white shark, also known as Carcharodon carcharias, is one of more than 500 shark species and is now the biggest predatory shark in the ocean. Great white sharks may reach a maximum length of 20 feet, a possible weight of 5,000-plus pounds, and a life expectancy of more than 30 years.

There’s no denying that these animals have put fear in the hearts of millions who swim in the ocean each year. Terry Tufferson is no stranger to the ocean, as he spends plenty of time in the water near Sydney Harbor.

Terry uploaded a video of a jaw-dropping encounter with a great white shark. Jump Rock Cliff is an area in Manly where thrill-seekers can choose from a variety of cliffs to jump off of straight into the water below. Tufferson is one of those thrill-seekers and thankfully for us, he jumps with a Go-Pro camera on him. 

Check Out This Frightening Encounter in the Video Below

He sneaks around a fence and carefully walks across a small rocky edge as he gets to the leaping point. With a buddy by his side, he jumps into the harbor below, unknown what may be lurking in the water. 

As soon as he breaches the surface after the successful jump, Tufferson’s friend still on the life can be heard shouting, “Shark!” If you’re ever in a situation similar to this, it’s crucial to get out of the water by making as little movement as possible. Sharks are attracted to movement and could see it as an opportunity to strike. 

Terry goes back underwater, swimming towards the shark. He can be heard screaming as a great white comes closer and closer. Coming up for air, you can viscerally feel the anxiety through the screen. When he goes back under to check where the shark is, the apex predator is coming straight toward him. 

It’s hard to imagine being in such an intense situation. Thankfully, Terry being the experienced swimmer that he is, makes it to the rocky shore without a scratch. Many others in similar circumstances aren’t so lucky. 

From the video evidence, the shark didn’t look too vicious. It appeared as if he was checking out what just jumped into the water. Great whites are just as curious as any other animal, but their appearance, and the general fear humans have for them, make this video that much more frightening. 

Tufferson’s video has over 42 million views, paired with plenty of great comments, some even claiming the entire thing is fake. The close encounter with a great white hasn’t stopped this Australian from enjoying the water. Check out the video below that will keep you on the edge of your seat! 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Willyam Bradberry/Shutterstock.com