Rodney Fox is a well-known Australian shark attack survivor, conservationist and filmmaker.
He was born on March 9, 1940, in Adelaide, South Australia.
In 1963, while spearfishing off the coast of South Australia, Fox was attacked by a great white shark, which left him with severe injuries to his chest and arm.
Despite the traumatic experience, he became an advocate for shark conservation and education.
After his recovery, Fox founded the Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions, which offers shark cage diving tours in South Australia.
He also became a filmmaker, producing documentaries about sharks and their behavior, including Blue Water, White Death and Sharks, the Silent Savages.
In addition to his work in shark conservation and education, Fox has also been involved in various environmental and humanitarian causes.
Fox’s experience as a shark attack survivor has given him a unique perspective on these creatures, and he has used his platform to dispel myths and promote a better understanding of sharks.
He has also been a vocal advocate for shark conservation, working to protect these animals from overfishing and other threats.
Today, Fox is considered one of the world’s leading experts on sharks and is widely respected for his contributions to the field of marine conservation.
In December 1963, while spearfishing along Australia’s southern coast, Rodney Fox was suddenly dragged underwater.
In an instant, he endured a punctured diaphragm, torn lung, pierced scapula, and exposed abdomen, ribcage, spleen, and upper stomach. When rescuers finally… pic.twitter.com/1bKZsorA0Q
— Morbid Knowledge (@Morbidful) September 10, 2023
Why did Rodney Fox get attacked?
There are several reasons why Fox was attacked by the shark.
Firstly, great white sharks are known to be apex predators and are at the top of the food chain in the ocean.
They are known to attack humans when they mistake them for their natural prey, such as seals or fish.
In Fox’s case, it is believed that the shark mistook him for a seal, which is a common prey item for great white sharks.
Secondly, Fox’s actions in the water may have also contributed to the attack.
Spearfishing involves diving underwater and using a spear to catch fish.
This activity can attract sharks, as the blood and movement in the water can mimic the behavior of injured prey.
It is possible that the shark was attracted to the activity and mistook Fox for prey.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Fox survived the attack and went on to become a prominent shark conservationist and advocate for shark research and education.
Rodney Fox injuries
The attack left Fox with severe injuries, including a collapsed lung, broken ribs and extensive damage to his right arm.
He was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery to repair the damage.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Fox was able to make a full recovery and went on to become a prominent shark conservationist and filmmaker.
In the years following the attack, he has used his experience to educate others about the dangers of sharks and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these animals.
Fox has also worked to dispel myths and misconceptions about sharks, emphasizing that they are not mindless killers but rather important members of the ocean ecosystem.