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‘It singled us out’: Cape Town men recall their terrifying encounter with a seal

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Cameron Vannithing, Jerome Petersen and Josua Joubert were attacked by a leopard seal while spearfishing in False Bay, Cape Town. Jerome says he won’t enter those waters ever again. (PHOTO: Supplied)
Cameron Vannithing, Jerome Petersen and Josua Joubert were attacked by a leopard seal while spearfishing in False Bay, Cape Town. Jerome says he won’t enter those waters ever again. (PHOTO: Supplied)

The three friends were looking forward to their weekly fishing trip. Heading out into the ocean meant they could savour the wonders of nature and hopefully catch a few fish to throw on the braai over the weekend.

But this time things didn’t really go as planned for Jerome Petersen, Josua Joubert and Cameron Vannithing. A creature rose from the depths and struck for a harrowing 30 minutes, causing them to fear for their lives.

At first they thought they were under siege from one of the sharks that prowl these waters – until they realised it was probably a leopard seal trying to drag them underwater, relentlessly bumping and biting them.

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