Breaking news: Kai McKenzie attacked by shark in Port Macquarie

Editor’s note: This is a developing story. We will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Kai McKenzie was surfing at North Shore Beach, a ferry-accessible stretch of beach north of Port Macquarie on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, when the accident occurred.

According to 7News, McKenzie was attacked and mauled by a 10-foot great white shark on Tuesday morning in crystal clear water and clean conditions. Although McKenzie’s shark approached and she tried to fight it off, her right leg was severed in the encounter.

The surfer managed to ride a wave to shore, where he was spotted by a retired police officer walking his dog. The former cop quickly improvised a tourniquet out of the dog’s leash. According to authorities, his decisive action “essentially saved McKenzie’s life.”

Paramedics assisted McKenzie at the scene before he was flown by helicopter to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where his condition remains serious but stable and he can receive further treatment.

Kevin Young, vice president of the Bite Club, an organization that supports shark attack survivors and helps them return to a “new normal life,” mentioned that Kai’s leg was covered in ice and taken to the hospital to have it stitched back on.

Great white sharks have recently been spotted in Port Mac. One was caught in drumlines a few days ago and two more were spotted early in the morning of the incident. Authorities are using SMART drumlines and drone technology to locate the shark that attacked Kai. Beaches in the area will remain closed until further notice.

Kai is by all accounts a superb surfer and a “legend” and one of the few members of the leading Rage team. Less than six months ago he announced on Instagram his return to surfing after breaking his neck.

Further reading: Does shark deterrent technology work?