23-year-old freesurfer Kai McKenzie was attacked by a shark while surfing at a North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie around 11am on Tuesday.
According to various news outlets, McKenzie was attacked and mauled by a three metre great white shark and despite his best efforts to fight off the animal, he suffered a severed right leg.
He managed to ride a wave to shore where he was spotted by a retired police officer who was walking his dog. The former officer took action and improvised by using a dog lead as a tourniquet. According to authorities, this ‘essentially saved McKenzie’s life.’
Kai was assisted by paramedics on location before he was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle where he remains in serious but stable condition for further treatment.
Two great whites were detected at Port Macquarie, which is in New South Wales, on Tuesday morning and one was caught on a drumline on Saturday. According to authorities the drumlines and a surf lifesaving drone are being used to track down the shark that attacked McKenzie.
Just less than six months ago, the Rage and Worship sponsored freesurfer, took to Instagram to announce his return to surfing after fracturing his neck.
Our thoughts are with Kai and his loved ones during this difficult time.
