Kai McKenzie was surfing near the Australian city of Port Macquarie when he was attacked by a great white shark
Professional surfer Kai McKenzie has received some good news after miraculously surviving a terrifying shark attack.
On July 23, the 23-year-old was surfing near the Australian city of Port Macquarie in New South Wales (NSW) when he was attacked by a 3m (9.8ft) great white shark.
The shark bit a huge chunk out of his surfboard and, in the process, took McKenzie’s right leg with it.
Incredibly, despite the severe injury and significant blood loss, McKenzie managed to fight off the shark and make his way to the shore without losing consciousness.
People on the beach witnessed the horrifying incident and rushed to provide immediate assistance.
An off-duty police officer, who happened to be walking his dog nearby, was among the first to respond.
The shark reportedly took a massive chunk out of the board and the surfer’s right legNSW police
Thinking quickly, he used his dog’s leash as a makeshift tourniquet to help stop the bleeding before McKenzie was airlifted to the hospital.
Kirran Mowbray from NSW Ambulance praised the quick actions of the police officer, stating he ‘essentially saved his life until the paramedics got there’.
Shortly after the attack, McKenzie’s severed leg washed up on the beach.
New South Wales police confirmed that local residents put the leg on ice before it was transported to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where McKenzie was receiving treatment for his injuries.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, McKenzie remains in a serious condition.
However, his family is in discussions with medical professionals about the possibility of reattaching his leg.
To assist with the mounting medical costs, a family friend has set up a GoFundMe page.
The message on the donation page reads: “Kai is currently in John Hunter Hospital where he has had surgery and is in a stable condition.”
