Teen shark attack survivor Brooklyn Sauer who needed 160 stitches on 40 puncture wounds recalls how she survived the gruesome attack at Nielson Beach Bargara

A teenage girl has recalled how she survived a terrifying shark attack that left her with gruesome injuries that required over 160 stitches. 

Brooklyn Sauer, 14, was bitten by a shark 200metres from the shoreline at Nielson Beach at Bargara, in Queensland's Bundaberg region, on March 15. 

Ms Sauer had been visiting her local beach with a friend for a quick dip after school when she suddenly felt herself being pulled underwater. 

She received a single bite to her torso and up to 40 puncture wounds on her back, abdomen and thighs which required more than 160 stitches. 

Her father Brett Sauer then received a phone call no parent ever wants to receive. 

He was told to rush to the surf life saving club's first aid room because his daughter had been attacked by a shark. 

The teenager was rushed to Bundaberg Hospital before she was airlifted to the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane to undergo surgery.

Ms Sauer revealed she didn't know she had been bitten until she saw the wound. 

'I didn't really believe it was happening, I was in shock,' she told Seven's Sunrise.

'Pretty much all you think is that you've got to get out of the water.'

Ms Sauer, who is a competent swimmer as a member of her local surf club, swam 200metres into shore to receive help. 

The teen later revealed the shark had come out of nowhere. 

'It came from behind, kind of. When I turned back around, I saw a splash, an outline, but that was about it,' she said. 

'It bit my side here, pulled me down. My friend saw me come back up.'

She remained calm once in the hands of paramedics and was even able to hold a bandage to one of her wounds. 

Ms Sauer credits her lucky escape to adrenaline and her surf life saving training. 

The teenager is on track to make a total recovery and continues to take part in activities with her local surf club.