Port Macquarie, NSW – A surfer’s severed leg has washed up on a beach in New South Wales after a harrowing shark attack on Tuesday. The 23-year-old victim, identified as Kai McKenzie, was surfing off the coast near Port Macquarie when a great white shark, estimated to be 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length, attacked him.
McKenzie, an amateur professional surfer, managed to ride a wave back to shore despite his severe injuries. On the beach, an off-duty police officer intervened, applying a makeshift tourniquet fashioned from his dog’s lead to control the bleeding, potentially saving McKenzie’s life until paramedics arrived.
The severed leg, discovered shortly after the attack, was placed on ice by local residents before being transported to a nearby hospital. Medical teams are now evaluating surgical options to reattach the limb.
Emergency services reported that McKenzie is in serious but stable condition. NSW Ambulance spokesperson Kirran Mowbray praised the off-duty officer’s quick thinking and bravery, highlighting his pivotal role in stabilizing McKenzie until professional help arrived. “He used the lead off his dog as a tourniquet… and essentially saved his life until the paramedics got there,” Mowbray stated. She further described McKenzie as “calm” and “able to talk” following the incident, calling him “a really brave and courageous young man.”
Following the initial treatment, McKenzie was rushed to a local hospital and subsequently airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, a major trauma center located approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) away. His severed leg was also transported for possible reattachment.
McKenzie had recently resumed surfing after recovering from a significant neck injury, according to local media reports. To assist with the medical and rehabilitation expenses, a GoFundMe page has been set up for McKenzie’s family, raising over A$75,000 (approximately $49,000 or £38,000) as of Wednesday.
Australia, known for having one of the highest rates of shark attacks globally, reports that fatal incidents remain relatively rare despite the frequency of such encounters.