Brisbane man Trevor Burns was holidaying in Perth with his family in October 2010. Keen snorkelers, they decided to get up close to some dolphins and joined around 40 other people on a tour, headed by guide Elyse Frankcom. There were only around 12 snorkelers left in the water, keen to see a baby dolphin who was frolicking with its mother.
Suddenly out of nowhere, a shark attacked Elyse and double bit into her thighs. Mr Burns grabbed hold of its tail and was tossed around like a rag doll while Ms Frankcom punched it in the head. Then she started to sink, pulled down by her weight belt, and instead of rushing back to the safety of the tour boat with the others, Mr Burns dove into the bloody water and brought her safely to the surface. She needed 200 stitches.
Mr Burns' wife and 24 year old daughter were horrified as they looked on from the boat, watching him being thrown around by the shark and thinking the worst.
Yesterday Elyse was reunited with the man who saved her life when he received a bravery award. "I'm hoping to be back at work and in the water again in about two months, as soon as the doctors give me the all clear" she said.
Trevor Burns, a computer systems consultant accepted Australia's second highest bravery award - the Royal Life Saving Honour "Star of Courage" gold medallion.
"I wouldn't be here without him" she said. Watch the ABC video.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-25/shark-attack-hero-leads-bravery-award-winners/4591750
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