Shark-wrestling Australian saves snorkeler, wins bravery award

A great white shark was no match for the likes of Trevor Burns, an Australian awarded the prestigious Star of Courage on Monday for wresting the ferocious flesh-eating creature off a female snorkeler three years ago, according to the Associated Press. 

Burns saved the life of Elyse Frankcom, whose thigh was lodged in the shark's jaws before he got involved, reported AP. 

Frankcom, 19, was giving 50-year-old Burns and others a dolphin tour when she was attacked near Australia's southwest coastal town of Rockingham, said AP. 

"I just thought: 'Get it off her,'" Burns, an IT consultant, said Monday, reported AP. "I knew she was going to be in trouble and she needed help," he explained. 

The Star of Courage is Australia's second-highest civilian honor recognizing acts of bravery.

Burns sure was brave. He grabbed the 12-foot-long shark by its tail until it let go of Frankcom and left the area, thereby allowing Burns to grab the bloodied, sinking Frankcom, according to Australia's Brisbane Times. 

Watch a video with Burns here. 

Frankcom survived the attack but had to get 200 stitches, while Burns also sustained minor injuries, said AP. 

The two are reportedly still in contact.