Kai McKenzie Attacked By Shark In Port Macquarie
The young freesurfer sustained a life-threatening injury to his right leg.
Donate to Kai’s GoFundMe here.
23 year old surfer Kai McKenzie was surfing at North Shore Beach, a ferry-accessible stretch of beach just north of Port Macquarie on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, when tragedy struck.
According to 7News, McKenzie was attacked and mauled by a three-meter great white shark mid-morning this Tuesday, in crystal clear water and clean conditions. Despite spotting the shark approaching and attempting to fight it off, McKenzie suffered a severed right leg in the encounter.
The surfer managed to ride a wave to shore, where he was fortuitously spotted by a retired police officer walking his dog, who quickly improvised a tourniquet using the dog’s lead. According to authorities, his decisive actions “essentially saved McKenzie’s life.”
Paramedics assisted McKenzie on location before he was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle where he remains in serious but stable condition for further treatment.
Kevin Young, the Vice-President of Bite Club, an organization that supports and assists shark attack survivors in returning to a ‘new normal life’, mentioned that Kai’s leg was packed with ice and transported to the hospital in an attempt to reattach it.
Great Whites have been spotted in Port Mac recently, with one caught in drumlines a few days ago and two others sighted 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 remain closed until further notice.
Kai, a Rage and Worship sponsored freesurfer considered a legend by many who know him, had announced his return to surfing less than six months ago following a neck fracture.
The Rage crew took to social media to put out a heartfelt statement showing their support: “Sending love to @kai_mckenzie the youngest RAGE boy on the team and the toughest person that we know.”
They continued: “He has been through a lot breaking his back last year, he never once complained always just got on with doing what he loved as soon as possible. He is an inspiring person. The whole rage gang loves you man and we will see you soon.”
Our thoughts are with Kai and his loved ones during this difficult time.
Further reading: Does Shark Deterrence Technology Work?
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