Mick Fanning praises Julian Wilson's bravery after dramatic escape from shark attack

Australian surfer Mick Fanning has posted an emotional message thanking his rival mate Julian Wilson for his bravery and declaring he will return to the beach where he fought off a terrifying shark attack in South Africa.

The two Queensland surfers had been competing in the final of the J-Bay Open when three-time world champion Fanning was attacked by the shark.

As Fanning thrashed and kicked clear of the predator, Wilson's first instincts were to paddle towards his good mate to try and save him.

“So thankful to be able to have this hug with @julian_wilson this man came to my aid like a warrior!!” Fanning wrote on Instagram with a photo of the pair locked in an embrace after the incident.

“It was by far the scariest thing I have ever been through and am still rattled.

“In our sport we always think about sharks and know we are in their domain. JBay is an incredible place and I will go back one day.

“Thanks to the @wsl announcers for being on top of us and the care they showed us and all my friends on tour that were by my side. Love you all.”

Fanning is now on his way back to Australia and is scheduled to appear at a press conference this afternoon.

Wilson has been hailed a hero after he gave a teary interview telling of his fears he could not reach Fanning quick enough.

The surfer from Coolum Beach, Queensland, replied to Fanning’s message by tweeting an image of himself sitting next to his girlfriend on a plane, with glasses raised.

“Let's go home. Thank you everyone for the kind & thoughtful messages. Cheers to @Mick_Fanning for still being with us,” Wilson wrote.

Elsewhere, fellow pro surfers from around the globe were expressing their relief that Fanning had escaped unharmed.

“Shark attack on @mfanno during the final in Jbay . I cannot believe you're ok brother WOW !!!!!!Hallucinant !!!!! #sharkattack #live ...we lost many friends and brothers in reunion island lately with shark attacks so this shows how lucky Mick was this time,” posted Jeremy Flores.

“So so relieved @Mick_Fanning & @julian_wilson made it out of lineup unharmed after Mick was terrifyingly attacked by a shark at #JBayOpen,” wrote Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons.

“COURAGEOUS is an understatement. Mad love and respect for these two. @Mick_Fanning @julian_wilson,” said Coco Ho from Hawaii.