Woman Who Lost Half Her Bicep in Shark Attack Says Animal Was ‘Like a Bullet’

Biologist Helen Fairlamb shared her remarkable story of survival during an appearance on the ITV morning show ‘This Morning’ to observe Shark Awareness Day on July 14, 2026. In a revealing account, Fairlamb discussed the harrowing shark attack that led to her losing half of her bicep while freediving in Hawaii in November 2024.

During the interview, Fairlamb, who has since become a member of an exclusive circle known as Bite Club, recounted the traumatic event. Freediving alongside colleagues, she was bitten on her upper right arm by a reef shark. Fairlamb described the moment, recalling, “I just noticed some movement out of the corner of my eye.” She observed a sudden change in the shark’s swimming style, noting it approached her with remarkable speed and purpose.

In an effort to fend off the aquatic predator, Fairlamb remembered advice from Mick Fanning, an Australian surfer who survived a shark attack himself. “I knew that it was likely going to end with a bite,” she stated. However, the biologist remained calm as the shark clamped onto her arm, shaking her in an attempt to assert dominance. She was able to defend herself by targeting the creature’s sensitive areas, successfully prompting the shark to release its grip.

After the intense struggle, Fairlamb swiftly prioritised her safety. She managed to swim to a nearby kayak and was informed later that her colleagues had spotted 13 other sharks drawn to the area by her blood. “I just remember trying to keep as calm as I could,” Fairlamb explained, recalling how she focused on maintaining her composure while waiting for assistance. Her colleagues eventually assisted her back to the shore, which took around an hour and twenty minutes.

As they reached land, Fairlamb began to lose consciousness due to the severity of her injuries. Fortunately, a nearby carrier plane was able to transport her to a hospital, where she spent three weeks in intensive care and underwent a total of three surgeries. Initially, doctors at a hospital in Manchester considered amputating her arm, but ultimately decided against it as they observed signs of healing.

Reflecting on her ordeal, Fairlamb expressed gratitude for her recovery, noting that her arm remains functional. She described herself as “very lucky” to have survived the traumatic experience. Despite the incident, Fairlamb conveyed a profound respect for reef sharks, refusing to assign blame for the attack. Instead, she theorised that the animal was merely acting defensively, likely due to being in a secluded area and possibly being a pregnant female protecting her territory and future offspring.

During her segment on ‘This Morning’, Fairlamb highlighted the crucial role sharks play in marine ecosystems, advocating for their conservation. “Sharks are such a vital part of our marine ecosystem,” she emphasised. “Without them, we wouldn’t have healthy oceans, and without healthy oceans, we lose half of the oxygen we breathe every day.”

The biologist’s enthusiasm for returning to the water remains undiminished, demonstrating her resilience and passion for marine life. Despite her traumatic experience, she is eager to continue her work and promote a better understanding of sharks. Her encounter serves as a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between humans and these majestic creatures of the sea.

Fairlamb’s story offers an important perspective on shark behaviour and underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect these vital species. As Shark Awareness Day seeks to increase public awareness and understanding of sharks, Fairlamb’s experience provides a personal testament to the realities of marine life and the need for a balanced view on these often-misunderstood animals.

Ultimately, fair dialogue surrounding shark encounters and the promotion of their ecological significance can aid in dispelling fear while fostering appreciation for the diverse life in our oceans. Fairlamb’s journey exemplifies how respect for marine life and the pursuit of knowledge can coexist, paving the way for a safer and more sustainable interaction with our underwater world.