The surfer involved in a shark attack that resulted in his leg being bitten off. And later washed up on an Australian beach confirms that the limb cannot be reattached.
The attack Surfer
Kai McKenzie, 23, began browsing near Port Macquarie in New South Wales (NSW) last Tuesday. When he said he noticed “the most important shark I’ve ever seen.” Despite the severity of the assault, McKenzie managed to catch a wave lower back to shore, wherein a makeshift tourniquet changed into a fast implemented by a bystander to stem the bleeding.
Immediate aftermath Surfer
Soon after the attack, McKenzie’s leg washed up. Residents put it on ice and took it to the hospital, hoping surgery could save it. But almost a week after the incident, McKenzie shared an update on social media with a picture from his hospital bed captioned: “Spot something missing? Hahah.”
Public support SurferÂ
He noted how much being able to hold his partner, Eve, and family meant at such times. Furthermore, he acknowledged people’s contributions to the GoFundMe page for his medical expenses, which has raised over AUD 165k ($108k; £84k).
MEDICAL RESPONSES
A spokesperson for the local health district where he is being treated would not confirm whether re-attachment surgery had been attempted due to patient privacy. A 3m great white shark attacked Mr McKenzie, sponsored by surf companies. Authorities credit an off-duty police officer with saving his life using a dog leash as a tourniquet around his badly bitten leg. He was first taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital before being flown 200km (124 miles) to Newcastle’s primary trauma center. His severed leg also made the journey.
A SURFERS DETERMINATION
Mr McKenzie, who had just returned to surfing after recovering from a significant neck injury, said he would return to the water soon. “I’ll be back in that water in no time!” he said.
Family gratitude
The McKenzie circle of relatives has thanked all the “clinical body of workers, bystanders, and primary responders” for their efforts in saving Kai’s life.
Context of shark attacks in Australia
Australia has more extraordinary shark attacks than any United States besides the United States, but fatalities are rare. The attack has highlighted how unpredictable and threatening sharks can be and confirmed the strength of community spirit afterward.
