A brave fisherman fought off a great white shark as the beast lunged at him multiple times during an intense nine-minute-long stand-off (NOTE: The video has been edited down).

While diving off the coast of Perth, Australia, on September 7, Joe Petrovich and some friends were spearfishing but he almost ended up as the prey.

Joe had strayed about 300 metres away from the boat, trying to hunt down a school of pink snapper before a four-and-a-half-metre long shark weighing approximately 400kg appeared.

Moments after the video begins, the shark checks and tilts its head to assess Joe’s defences.

On the fourth circle, the shark leant in further and eventually launched at Joe, who was only able to parry the potentially fatal attack with his gun as the shark’s bite narrowly missed under his right arm.

The shark retreated before almost instantly lunging again but for Joe’s legs, this time taking a chunk out of his left swimming fin as the footage shows a great deal of commotion and struggle.

Joe began his escape back to the boat as the shark continued to circle threatening attacks with each pass.

Eventually, Joe is able to the shark a taste of the pointed spear tip which gives the message to the shark that Joe is also a threat which slowly defuses the encounter.

The shark slowly backs off and Joe successfully makes it back to the safety of the vessel.

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