'Incredibly lucky': Kiwi diver recovering after Fiji shark attack
Mr Gibbs thanked those who came to his aid following the attack, as well as family, friends and supporters.
Sunday 26 July 2026 | 16:00
A New Zealand man says he feels "incredibly lucky" to have kept his leg after being attacked by a shark during his first dive in Fiji.
In a Facebook post shared on Friday, six days after the incident, Henry Gibbs said he was recovering after undergoing four surgeries and a skin graft.
"First dive in Fiji ended in a pretty nasty shark incident. Feeling incredibly lucky to still have my leg, full use of my foot and to be on the mend."
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Mr Gibbs thanked those who came to his aid following the attack, as well as family, friends and supporters in Fiji and New Zealand.
"Just wanted to say a genuine thank you to everyone who's reached out over the past six days since the incident, both in Fiji and back home in New Zealand. The support has honestly meant a lot."
He paid tribute to two men, Colby and Dan, for rescuing him and providing immediate treatment.
"Massive thanks to Colby and Dan, who got me out of the water and dealt with the wound so quickly, and to everyone involved afterwards. A special thank you to Dan, who was by my side through the whole ordeal, and of course Mum as well."
Mr Gibbs said doctors expected him to make a full recovery.
"Four surgeries and a skin graft later it's looking like I'll make a full recovery, which I'm hugely grateful for."
Despite the ordeal, he said he held no resentment towards the shark.
"No hard feelings towards the shark. I was in its environment hunting its food. Wrong place, wrong time, and there are definitely a few lessons I'll share when I post the footage in the hope it helps someone avoid ending up in the same situation and a bit on how to respond to it."
Mr Gibbs said the experience had given him a greater appreciation for life.
"For now, just feeling very lucky and with an even greater appreciation for life. Cheers."
