Was the shark attack Briton saved by a seal?

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Reports are emerging that the British swimmer attacked by a shark off the coast of Cape Town may have been protected from further injury by a seal.

Despite seals being prey for Great White Sharks, the animal swam in circles around the injured Michael Cohen as he was pulled onto a South African beach.

According to the Daily Mail, Hugh Till, 66, was one of those who dragged ex-pat accountant out of the water. Mr Till said: "The seal kept swimming past us. It was unusual for one to stick around near a shark or blood."

Mr Cohen, 42, was attacked by a Great White shark early this week off the coast of Cape Town. He chose to take a swim despite reports that he was warned about shark sightings. He was critical but stable in hospital last night after the drama near Cape Town.

The shark bit off his right leg but surgeons are trying to save his mauled left limb. They said he was only alive because rescuers stemmed his blood loss with a tourniquet made from wetsuits and belts.