Former F1 ace Eddie Irvine describes moment he fended off shark with spear

Former F1 driver Eddie Irvine has told the story of how he survived shark attack.

17:17 31 January 2014

Former F1 race driver Eddie Irvine has experienced what perhaps the most terrifying moment of his life. He recounted how he survived a terrifying shark attack by hitting it with a spear.

The Formula One Legend was apparently diving near his home in the Bahamas when a shark chased him.

In a story that was quoted by the Daily Mirror, he said:  "I turned to face it - not so easy to do - and hit it with my spear.”

"It turned away but came back as I reversed out of his territory.”

He added: "It was dusk - so I guess I deserved it a bit.”

Earlier this month, an Italian court has sentenced Irvin to six months in prison over a nightclub brawl in Milan.

He and Gabriele Moratti, Milan’s former mayor’s son, fought in the VIP section of the club in December 2008. The duo were both found guilty of mutual injury. However, it is unlikely that either of them will actually serve time behind bars.