Australian shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder comes back for a second bite with new documentary series

Australian shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder comes back for a second bite with new documentary series
Jamie Weiss
I’ve always loved ocean swimming, but I think if I were ever attacked by a shark and lost a few of my limbs, I’d be staying away from the water. Paul de Gelder, however, is built differently. The former Australian Navy bomb disposal diver’s life changed in 2009 when, during a counter-terrorism exercise in Sydney Harbour, he was attacked by a bull shark, which tore off his right arm and leg, very nearly killing him.

Paul de Gelder teaching boxer Mike Tyson how to dive. Image courtesy of TV InsiderIn the years since, however, Paul has turned his trauma into triumph, forging a career as a motivational speaker, environmentalist, TV show host and author. He also became a Seiko ambassador: Andrew interviewed Paul back in 2020, where he joked that “it’s lucky [the shark] left me my left hand because I can wear a watch”! What a legend. You can watch that interview on YouTube below.