In a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday morning, the severed leg of surfer Kai McKenzie washed ashore at North Shore Beach, near Port Macquarie, following a violent shark attack. McKenzie, 23, was surfing when he encountered a suspected three-meter white shark. Despite the severe injury, McKenzie managed to fend off the predator and catch a wave to the beach.
Witnesses and an off-duty police officer swiftly came to his aid. The officer, utilizing a dog leash as a makeshift tourniquet, played a crucial role in stabilizing McKenzie until emergency services arrived. NSW Ambulance Service Hastings South acting duty manager Kirran Mowbray praised the officer’s quick thinking, which was instrumental in saving McKenzie’s life.
“The officer’s prompt action with the dog lead as a tourniquet was critical in preserving his life until paramedics could attend,” Mowbray said.
McKenzie was initially taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital before being transferred to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle for further treatment. Despite the grave nature of his injury, Mowbray reported that McKenzie remained calm and coherent, demonstrating remarkable bravery.
McKenzie, a sponsored surfer, had recently returned to the sport after recovering from a neck injury. His resilience and courage have drawn widespread support from the surfing community. Tributes have poured in from various surfing publications, including Tracks and Surfer Magazine, which extended their well-wishes and hopes for a swift recovery.
The attack occurred in an area known for shark activity. Recent shark sightings have been reported north of Port Macquarie, with a tagged white shark detected near Sawtell. Lifesavers had earlier evacuated the waters at a local beach due to a 2.5-meter shark sighting. The incident follows a similar attack last year on Lighthouse Beach, where a surfer was saved by an off-duty emergency department doctor.
The community and supporters continue to rally around McKenzie as he faces the road to recovery.
related topics:
