A CATHOLIC priest who helped rescue a surfer being attacked by a five-metre great white shark, says he’s humbled after being awarded a bravery medal by Australia’s governor general.
“It feels like I haven’t done anything extraordinary,” Fr Liam Ryan, a priest in Midland, Perth, told The Catholic Leader.
“I thank God for giving me courage in that moment, and I also remember that I was not alone.”
An experienced surfer, Fr Ryan, who turns 35 this year, was on vacation with a group of surfing mates. They paddled out to catch waves at Bunker Bay, 260 km south of Perth on July 31, 2020.
About 100 metres offshore one of the surfers saw the dorsal fin of a five-metre great white shark close by.
Fr Ryan raised the alarm by screaming for help as the shark mauled fellow surfer, 28-year-old Phil Mummert, just a few metres away.
Fr Ryan did not hesitate in paddling straight towards danger to try and help as the shark sank its jaws deep into Mr Mummert’s upper leg and bit a huge chunk out his surfboard.
The young surfer responded by shoving his damaged board into the shark’s mouth and then fought with his bare hands to fend off the creature.
As the shark circled, one of Fr Ryan’s fellow surfers, Alex Oliver, reached injured Phil Mummert first, pulled him onto the front of his board and started paddling towards the shore.
Despite the shark still being close, Fr Ryan and best mate surfer, Jess Woolhouse reached the injured man on the board and helped him get to shore.
Beachgoers supported Phil Mummert until he was safely airlifted by helicopter to hospital.
“For me its clear, God wanted us to be there, he wanted Phil to survive the shark attack and strangely designed that a wild animal would bring us to know each other for the rest of our lives,” Fr Ryan said.
“We were nominated for this bravery medal by one of the other surfers who was in the water that day, but he paddled straight in when he saw the attack because he immediately thought of his young son and his family.
“He was in tears on the beach, and in tears when he received the acceptance of our nomination.”
Fr Ryan, Mr Oliver and Mr Woolhouse were each awarded the prestigious Bravery Medal, by Australia’s Governor General, David Hurley.
“No one sets out to be brave. No one really knows how, when presented with a dangerous situation, they will act,” the governor general said, announcing 15 Bravery Medal winners for 2022 .
“In a moment of peril, today’s recipients were selfless and brave. On behalf of all Australians, I offer congratulations and thanks.”
Each of the three surfers have also received a Coastal Bravery Award from Surf Life Saving WA, and according to Fr Ryan the rescue has cemented their friendship for life, together with the man they rescued, Phil Mummert.
“We have a connection that is so unique. When we all sit down together to catch up for a meal I just smile and think ‘God, only in your imagination can this be possible!’” he said.
“A waiter once asked us ‘So how do you all know each other?’ We all just burst out laughing.”
The 2020 shark attack received global media attention, and Fr Ryan’s role as rescuer – “the surfing priest” – was particularly highlighted.
More than just notoriety, Fr Ryan hopes his experience can be useful for others.
“When I visit our schools to talk about vocations or sacraments or whatever, I ask the kids if they have any questions. The first one is always ‘Can you tell us about the shark?’” he said.
“Our God is a God of surprises. This event was a huge surprise for me, and I know that many people are surprised to see a priest who surfs.
“These medals and awards are also a surprise. God is always working to break down barriers and the stereotypes we build up in our hearts.
“If this helps people to see that priests also go on holidays, surf and help people everyday then that’s awesome.
“Will it bring people to encounter the love of Christ, who gave his life because he loves us? I can only hope so!”
Fr Ryan continues to surf – he loves the sport, and he loves the ocean.
“When I see a dolphin or seal out in the water my heart usually skips a beat nowadays, but then the fear passes,” he said.
“We share the ocean with so many other beautiful creatures, that mystery is what has always attracted me to the ocean and surfing.
“I’ve also always believed that the best way to overcome your fears is to face them.
“The ocean still remains a place of peace and rest for me, a place where I encounter God and God’s creation.”
Fr Ryan was ordained in August 2019 after completing studies at Perth’s “Redemptoris Mater” Missionary Seminary for the formation of priests in the Neocatechumenal Way.
He spent two years carrying out mission work in Alotau in Papua New Guinea, and is now a priest at St Brigid’s Church in Midland parish, Perth.
