Sydney - Sydney surgeons said Tuesday it was a miracle that Bondi Beach shark attack victim Glenn Orgias has two hands rather than just one.

   "I thought the hopes for the hand were close to zero, but I have hope in time that Glenn will have a working hand," plastic surgeon Kevin Ho said. "We're far from out of the woods, but I think for him to make it to this stage is a minor miracle."

   Orgias, 33, was mauled by a 2.5-metre great white shark while surfing at Australia's most famous beach two weeks ago. His bicep was ripped open and his hand was left hanging by 4-centimetre strip of skin.

   Orgias, who says he already has movement in his fingers, thanked his rescuers and medical staff. "A young French surfer applied a tourniquet that, I believe, saved my life," he said. "I would like to thank all of these people for their bravery and compassion."

   The Bondi attack came just a day after a bull shark mauled navy diver Paul de Gelder in Sydney Harbour. The 31-year-old lost his hand and a leg.