Pro surfer's leg washes up on shore after horrifying shark attack
Kai McKenzie was surfing near the Australian city of Port Macquarie when he was attacked by a great white shark
Professional surfer Kai McKenzie may have got some good news after managing to survive a shark attack.
The 23-year-old was surfing near the Australian city of Port Macquarie in New South Wales (NSW) on July 23 when he was set upon by a 3m (9.8ft) great white shark.
The shark bit a massive chunk out of his board and took McKenzie's right leg with it.
Incredibly, the surfer was able to fight off the shark and get to the shore without losing consciousness from the blood loss.
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Those on the beach saw the whole incident unfold and attempted to administer aid to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible.
An off-duty police officer walking his dog was one of the bystanders who rushed to help.
Thinking quickly, he used his dog’s lead as a makeshift tourniquet to stop the bleeding before McKenzie was flown to hospital.
NSW Ambulance's Kirran Mowbray praised the police officer and said he 'essentially saved his life until the paramedics got there'.
A little while later, McKenzie's severed leg washed up on the beach.
New South Wales police confirmed that locals put the leg on ice before it was transported to the John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where the surfer was being treated for his injuries.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, McKenzie is in a serious condition but his family is in talks with medical professionals about the possibility of his leg being reattached.
A family friend has since set up a GoFundMe to help pay for the medical costs McKenzie's family are set to face.
The donation page’s message reads: “Kai is currently in John Hunter Hospital where he has had surgery and is in a stable condition. As you can imagine, the upcoming medical expenses for his recovery and rehabilitation is something no one would ever be prepared for.
“The funds raised will go in assisting Kai in every aspect of his recovery. Please dig deep for this family to assist with Kai’s recovery and rehabilitation.
“I am a neighbor of The McKenzie’s. They are a local family with hearts of gold that would never expect or ask anything of anybody, so let’s give back and show them that they have the communities support in this.”
At the time of writing, over $118,000 Australian dollars have been raised, $18,000 over the page’s initially target.
If you wish to donate, you can do so here.
Topics: News, Sport, World News, Australia, Shark
Gerrard Kaonga