In a harrowing incident earlier this year on the unpatrolled Gunyah Beach near Sydney, 57-year-old Mani Zhang’s day of leisure took a terrifying turn when she was attacked by a bull shark. Zhang had thought of the secluded beach as a safe spot for her swim. On March 7, believing the water looked inviting, she entered without hesitation, only to be shocked when she felt something brush against her leg. The next moment, she noticed the water turning red with her blood.
Despite the severity of the attack, Zhang reported that she wasn’t initially aware of the shark’s grip on her leg, feeling a momentary freeze before instinctively calling for help. Nearby, Blake Donaldson and his partner Ellen Melchert had just emerged from the water. Upon hearing her screams, Donaldson quickly took action, grabbing a paddleboard and entering the water to rescue her, fully aware of the potential danger.
Donaldson, undeterred by the risks, said, “It’s either you just watch someone drown or you go out and help them,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. By the time he reached Zhang, she was incredibly weak. Together, they made their way to shore, where Melchert applied towels to staunch the bleeding while neighbours called for emergency services.
Upon arrival, paramedics found Zhang in critical condition, having lost a dangerous amount of blood. Reports indicated that they even needed to airlift extra blood in order to save her life. Zhang, recalling her dire circumstances, stated she felt immobilised, unable to think or breathe amidst the chaos.
The local community had been aware of shark sightings in the area before this attack. Marine ecologist Dr. Amy Smoothey noted that while there are claims of increased shark sightings, this does not necessarily indicate an increase in shark numbers. She speculated that Zhang was likely in the wrong place at the wrong time, and stated that shark bites usually stem from cases of mistaken identity rather than hunger for human flesh.
Grateful for her survival, Zhang expressed her appreciation by stating, “I feel lucky I still have my leg,” recognising the support she received from her rescuers. Upon reuniting with Donaldson and Melchert, she labelled them her heroes, despite not having remembered their faces due to the trauma.
Reflecting on the fateful day, Zhang acknowledged the mix of misfortune and fortune. “It’s unlucky this happened, but it’s lucky I have all these people there to support me,” she said, emphasising her thankfulness for her life and the assistance she received. Despite her ongoing recovery, Zhang remains hopeful and thankful for her second chance.