A MAN WHO DOVE INTO THE OCEAN TO PROTECT A WOMAN FROM A SHARK ATTACK RECOUNTS THE HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE
A guy recalled the horrifying event in which he risked his life to leap into shark-infested seas to save a woman who had been mauled. The unimaginable happened in front of Blake Donaldson as he and his partner were having a great day at the beach. Last month, Donaldson heard Mangyon 'Mani' Zhang yelling for assistance from the sea at Gunyah Beach in Bundeena, Australia. The 57-year-old, who was the only other person on the beach alongside Donaldson and his partner, had been involved in a shark attack.
In an effort to save Zhang, Donaldson dove into the ocean, something that many people would not have done. Donaldson told 60 Minutes Australia, recalling the day's events: "I just [had] to join in." I just decided to fight or run when the fight-or-flight response kicked in. I thought, "I just had to help this woman," even though I knew there might be a shark.
"I wasn’t thinking about the shark, I wasn’t thinking about my own safety — I just can’t watch this woman drown. Either you watch someone drown or you go out and help them. A couple seconds could mean someone’s life."
In an effort to save Zhang, Donaldson dove into the ocean, something that many people would not have done. Donaldson told 60 Minutes Australia, recalling the day's events: "I just [had] to join in." I just decided to fight or run when the fight-or-flight response kicked in. I thought, "I just had to help this woman," even though I knew there might be a shark.
"I wasn’t thinking about the shark, I wasn’t thinking about my own safety — I just can’t watch this woman drown. Either you watch someone drown or you go out and help them. A couple seconds could mean someone’s life."
Fortunately, Zhang was lifted on a paddle board by Donaldson, who had no idea where a possible shark might be lurking and managed to pull her to land. Thankfully, Donaldson's companion Ellen Melchert is trained in first aid, so she assisted Zhang and treated the enormous 15-inch wound around her knee before the emergency personnel showed up.
Trying to recall the dramatic incident herself, Zhang said: "I can't move. I can't even think. I can't breathe. I don't feel like I have any oxygen coming to my lungs. I thought I should take a deep breath."
Zhang was described as "extremely sick" and having lost a "catastrophic amount" of blood by Marco Aielli, an urgent care paramedic, on 60 Minutes Australia. After undergoing surgery, Zhang eventually passed out and woke up hours later. Just weeks after the attack, Donaldson and Zhang were reunited in a special reunion, indicating that they are now back on the mend.
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The hero replied: "They say, ‘You’re a hero.’ I don’t think about it, but then it sort of does hit you and makes you realize you did save someone."
While Donaldson may have been extremely modest with his answer, there's no doubt he's the reason Zhang is alive today.