Shark attack survivor: I don't feel sorry for myself

Despite a horrific incident that caused him to lose his hand and leg, Australian Paul de Gelder is an advocate for shark protection and feels he is leading an incredible life

Mr Paul de Gelder (above) on the set of Shark Week with actor Will Smith and filming with a tiger shark. PHOTOS: DISCOVERY CHANNEL, PAUL DE GELDER
Mr Paul de Gelder (left) on the set of Shark Week with actor Will Smith (right) and filming with a tiger shark. PHOTOS: DISCOVERY CHANNEL, PAUL DE GELDER
Mr Paul de Gelder on the set of Shark Week with actor Will Smith and filming with a tiger shark (above). PHOTOS: DISCOVERY CHANNEL, PAUL DE GELDER
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

For Australian Paul de Gelder, a horrifying bite from a bull shark in 2009 cost him a hand and a leg, changing his life forever.

But he neither blames nor fears the creature which attacked him. Instead, he now advocates for the conservation, preservation and protection of sharks. He is one of the stars on the Discovery Channel programme Shark Week, whose 32nd edition airs from tomorrow to Sept 6.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on August 30, 2020, with the headline Shark attack survivor: I don't feel sorry for myself. Subscribe