In a heart-stopping incident off the coast of Port Macquarie, New South Wales, a young surfer’s resilience and quick response from locals turned a harrowing shark attack into a remarkable story of survival. On Tuesday, 23-year-old sponsored surfer Kai McKenzie was surfing when a 3-meter (9.8 ft) great white shark bit his leg.
Despite the severe injury, McKenzie managed to catch a wave to shore, where an off-duty police officer used a dog leash as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding. “He essentially saved his life until the paramedics got there,” said NSW Ambulance’s Kirran Mowbray, praising the officer’s quick thinking. McKenzie, described as “calm” and “able to talk” after the attack, was rushed to a local hospital and then flown to John Hunter Hospital, a major trauma center in Newcastle.
Remarkably, McKenzie’s severed leg washed up on the beach shortly after the attack. Locals put it on ice and sent it to the hospital, where doctors are now assessing the possibility of reattachment. Emergency services have reported that McKenzie is in serious but stable condition.
This incident is particularly poignant for McKenzie, who had recently returned to surfing after recovering from a significant neck injury. The local community has rallied around him, with a GoFundMe page set up to assist with medical and rehabilitation costs, raising over A$75,000 ($49,000; £38,000) within a day.
While Australia sees more shark attacks than any other country except the US, fatal incidents remain rare. This event highlights not only the dangers of the ocean but also the incredible bravery and resilience of surfers like McKenzie and the lifesaving actions of those who respond in times of crisis.
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