Surfer’s leg washes up on seashore after shark assault –docs wish to reattach it
The bitten off leg of a surfer who was attacked by a shark washed up to shore and now doctors are scrambling to reattach the limb.
Kai McKenzie was catching some waves at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia, when he was mauled by a massive 3-metre great white.
Fighting the predator off, the 23-year-old managed to catch a wave to shore on his damaged board while his leg bled out. An off-duty cop fashioned a tourniquet out of his dog’s lead to stem the bleeding.
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Shortly after the attack, which took place at 11am on Tuesday, July 23, Kai’s severed leg washed up on the beach.
(Image: Nine)
Quick thinking locals put the limb on ice and rushed it to hospital, where medics are now working out if it can be reattached or not, reports BBC.
Kai remains in a serious but stable condition. Emergency services thanked the off-duty copper for his fast thinking.
Kirran Mowbray, from NSW Ambulance, said: “He used the lead off his dog as a tourniquet… and essentially saved his life until the paramedics got there.”
(Image: Nine)
She added that the surfer was “calm” and “able to talk” in the aftermath of the attack and described him as a “really brave and courageous young man”.
Kai was rushed to a local hospital before being flown to major trauma centre, John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, around 200km (124miles) away, along with his severed leg.
It’s currently uncertain whether the leg can be reattached.
(Image: Nine)
Kai had only recently returned to surfing when the life-changing attack took place, after suffering a major neck injury.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover Kai’s medical and rehabilitation costs, which has so far received more than AU$111,000 (£57,000).
The surfer’s sponsor Rage, described Kai as “the toughest person” they knew in a sweet Instagram post wishing the young surfer a speedy recovery.
(Image: Kai McKenzie/Instagram)
It read: “Sending love to Kai, the youngest RAGE boy on the team and the toughest person that we know.
“Yesterday he was attacked by a shark and has lost his leg while surfing in Port Macquarie.
“He has been through a lot, breaking his back (neck verterbrae) last year. He never once complained always just got with doing what he loves as soon as possible. He is an inspiring person.
“The whole rage gang loves you man and we will see you soon.”
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