Biologist Helen Fairlamb, a British expatriate living in New Zealand, survived a horrific shark attack off the coast of Hawaii in November 2024 in which the creature bit off half her bicep. She credited her survival to remaining calm and striking the shark's sensitive gills, a tactic she learned from fellow shark attack survivor Mick Fanning.
Attack During Freediving Expedition
Fairlamb, originally from Warrington, UK, was freediving with coworkers when the reef shark attacked. She described the shark moving like a "bullet" after she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. The shark's swimming style "changed completely," and it approached her "efficiently." Fairlamb knew it would likely "end with a bite." The shark bit her upper arm and shook her, but she remained calm.
Survival Tactics and Rescue
Remembering Fanning's advice, Fairlamb struck the shark's eyes, nose, and gills, causing it to release her. She then focused on getting to the surface and onto a kayak, despite blood in the water. Unbeknownst to her, the blood had attracted 13 other sharks, but her colleagues kept this information from her to avoid panic. A colleague applied a tourniquet and paddled her back to shore, a journey lasting one hour and 20 minutes.
Medical Emergency and Recovery
Upon reaching land, a medic on the island administered IV fluids and medication to raise her dangerously low blood pressure and stem bleeding. The medic attempted to change the tourniquet and warned her arm might need amputation. A passing carrier plane transported her to a hospital, where she spent three weeks in intensive care and underwent three minor surgeries. She was then transferred to a hospital in Manchester, UK, where doctors initially planned to amputate but decided to wait. Her arm healed without amputation, though a large section of her upper bicep remains missing. Fairlamb says the arm is still functional.
Reflections on the Attack and Shark Conservation
Fairlamb appeared on ITV's This Morning to mark Shark Awareness Day on July 14, 2026. She emphasized that reef sharks pose minimal threat to humans and noted the attack occurred in a highly remote area. She believes the shark was a pregnant female protecting her territory and future young, calling it "completely understandable." Despite the trauma, Fairlamb is determined to return to the water. She also championed shark conservation, stating, "Without them we wouldn't have healthy oceans and without healthy oceans we lose half of the oxygen we breathe every day."
