Woman reveals what it was like the moment she was ripped apart by a giant shark – and how a heroic stranger risked his life to save her

By CHARLOTTE MCINTYRE FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 16:22 BST, 27 April 2025 | Updated: 16:40 BST, 27 April 2025

A woman who was attacked by a bull shark has recalled the terrifying moment she thought she would die as she slipped in and out of consciousness. 

Mangyon Zhang, 57, was swimming laps just metres from shore at Gunyah Beach at Bundeena in Sydney’s south on March 7 when her life changed in an instant.

She had no idea the danger lurking underneath until she felt something brush past her.

She didn’t see the shark or feel it latch onto her leg but immediately knew she’d been bitten due to the amount of blood in the water. 

‘I knew something stinged me and then there’s like a very eerie feeling,’ Ms Zhang told 60 Minutes.

‘I was frozen for a minute. I was so scared. I was like, ‘what was that?’

‘And then I just saw lots of blood coming out and the water just became too red.

‘I was freaking out because I was scared the shark would come back.’

Ms Zhang (pictured) tearfully recalled losing consciousness after being attacked

Ms Zhang shared an emotional reunion with her hero Blake Donaldson (pictured)

It’s unlikely she would be be alive today if it wasn’t for Blake Donaldson and his partner Ellen Melchert, who were the only other people on the secluded beach at the the time and heard Ms Zhang’s frantic screams for help.

A quick thinking Mr Donaldson ran into the water with his paddleboard without any thoughts for the shark or his own safety. 

‘It’s either you just watch someone drown or you go out and help them … a couple seconds could mean someone’s life,’ he said.

By the time he reached Ms Zhang, she was already extremely weak due to the loss of blood and struggled to hold onto the paddleboard.

‘I didn’t have the strength to do anything anymore,’ she said.

Ms Zhang recalled the terrifying moment she felt her ‘eyes wanted to close’ as she slipped in and out of consciousness when the pair returned to shore.

But she was determined to stay awake to see her partner Maria Masutti one last time as Mr Donaldson’s partner tried to stem the bleeding.

‘I was scared if I go to sleep I won’t wake up,’  Ms Zhang recalled.

‘I think I probably will die, but I said to myself,’ I wanted to let Maria know’, but I don’t, I can’t speak.’

Mangyon Zhang (pictured) believed she was going to die

Gunyah Beach (pictured) is a secluded spot in Bundeena, 29km south of Sydney

Ms Zhang (pictured) was determined to stay awake to see her partner Maria Masutti ‘one last time’

She can still remember everyone trying to save her life as she slipped in and out of consciousness

‘I think I heard people say, “She doesn’t have any pulse.’ Ms Zhang said. 

‘I can’t move. I can’t even think. I can’t breathe.’

 Ms Zhang was airlifted to St George Hospital where Ms Masutti remained by her partner’s bedside waiting for her to wake up. 

Doctors were able to save both Ms Zhang and her leg thanks to the heroic efforts of Mr Donaldson and Ms Melchert.

Ms Zhang has since met with the two strangers who saved her life, along with the paramedics.

‘Words cannot express how thankful I am,’ she told the couple during the emotional reunion.

Ms Zhang did not feel the shark bite her leg (pictured)

‘You’re my lifesaver and hero!’

Ms Melchert replied: ‘We’re just so glad you’re alright.’

The life-threatening ordeal has changed Ms Zhang’s perspective on life. 

‘It’s unlucky this happened, but it’s lucky I have all these people there to support me,’ she said.

 ‘Most importantly, I feel lucky I still have my leg.’

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Woman reveals what it was like the moment she was ripped apart by a giant shark – and how a heroic stranger risked his life to save her

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