Surfer’s Leg Washes Ashore After Shark Attack as Bystander Uses Dog Leash as Tourniquet
Doctors are now hoping to reattach the leg to Kai McKenzie's body after a great white shark tore it off in the July 23 attack
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Kai McKenzie, the surfer who lost his leg in a shark attack off the coast of Australia in July 2024Doctors are hoping to reattach a surfer’s leg after a shark tore it off in an attack off the coast of Australia.
Kai McKenzie, 23, was surfing at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie on July 23 when he was bitten by a great white shark, according to Australia’s ABC News and 9 News.
Kirran Mowbray, acting duty operations officer in Hastings South for the NSW Ambulance Service, said the surfer “saw the shark approach him” and “was able to fight it off” before catching a wave to shore, per ABC News.
Luckily, she added, an off-duty police officer was walking his dog nearby and sprang into action when he learned what was happening.
“He used a lead off the dog as a tourniquet to wrap around the young man's leg and essentially saved the man's life until the paramedics got there,” Mowbray explained, according to the BBC.
McKenzie’s leg was completely severed in the attack. The off-duty officer was still applying the tourniquet to the injured surfer when his leg washed ashore, according to the BBC and 9 News.
The surfer was initially transported to Macquarie base hospital before he was transferred to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, according to 9 News.
The severed leg also made the 124 mile journey to the hospital. Doctors hope they are able to reattach it.
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Kai McKenzie, the surfer who lost his leg in a shark attack off the coast of Australia in July 2024Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
McKenzie was in critical condition when he arrived at the hospital, according to ABC News.
He had only recently returned to surfing after fracturing his neck while in a mosh pit at a concert, according to surfboard shaper Luke Short, who works with McKenzie as part of a sponsorship deal.
McKenzie's surf team, RAGE, said their youngest teammate also broke his back last year, according to a post on their Instagram page. “He never once complained,” the team said, “[and] always just got on with doing what he loved as soon as possible.”
The team is also “sending love” to McKenzie, whom they described as “the toughest person that we know” and “an inspiring person.”
“The whole rage gang loves you man and we will see you soon. 💜😈,” they stated.
Dave Pearson said he and members of the Australian shark attack support group Bite Club plan to offer McKenzie help in wake of the incident.
Related: Florida Named as Shark Attack Capital of the World — with U.S. Waters the Global No. 1 for Bites
"We can just offer a shoulder, as someone who is not personally involved, but understands what's going on and can help them navigate that," Pearson said, per ABC News. “It's tough on us, but it's something we need to do.”
More than $116,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign for McKenzie, whose condition has stabilized, according to organizer Loz Mac. Funds will go toward his recovery efforts.
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