'This man came to my aid like a warrior!' Mick Fanning's heartfelt thank-you note to friend Julian Wilson

Mick Fanning hugs Julian Wilson after the shark attack that nearly took his life. Photo / Getty Images / Instagram

Mick Fanning has penned an emotional thank-you to his close friend Julian Wilson following his near-death experience with a shark.

While many competitors may have fled to shore in terror, Wilson instead swam out to help his 34-year-old rival.

He told the Australian after the ordeal: "It came up and he was wrestling it, and I saw he got knocked off his board ... I felt like I couldn't get there quick enough.

"I was like 'I've got a board, if I can get there I can stab it or whatever, I've got a weapon'."

Wilson's actions at the J-Bay Open surf competition in South Africa won him praise on social media, with many on Twitter calling him a hero.

But it is Fanning's own heartfelt note that will mean the most:

"So thankful to be able to have this hug with @julian_wilson this man came to my aid like a warrior!! It was by far the scariest thing I have ever been through and am still rattled. In our sport we always think about sharks and know we are in their domain. Many thanks to all the people that have reached out and sent their wishes. Jbay is an incredible place and I will go back one day. Thanks to the @wsl announcers and water patrol for being on top of us and the care they showed us and to all my friends on tour that were by my side. Love you all."

Fanning's post is the clearest hint he'll back in the water soon. Yesterday he said he would be happy to never compete again.

"I'm happy to not even compete ever again. Seriously, to walk away from that, I'm just so stoked," he said.

Fanning holds his head in his hands as he describes the attack. Wilson, right, watches his friend. Photo / Getty Images

Fanning was facing Wilson in the event's final when he was forced to fight off the great white, which pulled him under water and bit through the leg rope of his surf board.

He escaped without a scratch, but dramatic video footage showed just how close the incident could have been to a tragedy.

He described the moment he realised the shark was behind him as terrifying, saying: "I was waiting for the teeth to come at me. It came up and got stuck in my leg rope. I instantly just jumped away. It kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming. I just saw fins. I punched it in the back."