Father repeatedly punched shark to save daughter

17-year-old survived but had to have leg amputated

A tiger shark killed a woman off the coast of Maui in 2015 (Getty)

A father has repeatedly punched a shark in the face to make it let go of his daughter, their family say.

Paige Winter, a North Carolina teenager, was attacked by a shark while swimming in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, on Sunday 2 June.

Her father Charlie, a former marine, firefighter and paramedic, was in waist-deep water when and raced to rescue her, according to authorities.

“He punched the shark in the face five times before it let go,” Janet Winter, a woman who identified as the victim’s grandmother, said on Facebook.

Paige Winter, 17, is recovering in hospital after she sustained “deep lacerations to her leg, pelvic and hand areas”, according to Atlantic Beach Fire Department officials.

She had to undergo surgery to amputate her left leg. Janet Winter, the grandmother, said she may also need a hand transplant in the future.

The family released a statement released through the hospital, Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, confirming that the teenager was recovering.

“Despite this unfortunate circumstance, Paige is an unwavering advocate for the marine life and the animals who live in the water,” reads the statement. “She wishes for people to continue to respect sharks in their environment and their safety."

Paige Winter also released a statement on Monday.

“Although I have extensive injuries, including an amputated leg and damage to my hands, I will be okay,” she said. “I know I have a long road to recovery, which includes additional surgeries. I will continue to stay positive and be thankful that it was not worse.”

Family friends created a GoFundMe page to “help them in their time of need”. The fundraiser already raised some $23,500 of its $25,000 goal.