Severed Leg of Australian Surfer Found After Shark Attack: Doctors Assess Reattachment

Australian Surfer's Severed Leg Discovered After Shark Attack

A surfer’s severed leg has washed ashore on an Australian beach following a shark attack, with medical professionals now racing to determine if it can be reattached. Kai McKenzie, 23, was surfing near Port Macquarie in New South Wales (NSW) on Tuesday when a 3-meter (9.8-foot) great white shark attacked him.

McKenzie managed to ride a wave back to shore, where an off-duty police officer applied a makeshift tourniquet to control the bleeding. Authorities confirmed that his leg washed up shortly after the incident and was preserved on ice by locals before being taken to the hospital. A medical team is now evaluating surgical options for reattachment.

Emergency services have reported that McKenzie, an amateur pro-surfer, is in a serious but stable condition. They praised the off-duty officer for his quick actions. “He used his dog’s lead as a tourniquet, which essentially saved McKenzie’s life until paramedics arrived,” said Kirran Mowbray from NSW Ambulance. She described McKenzie as “calm” and “able to talk” after the attack, commending his bravery and courage.

McKenzie was initially taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, a major trauma center in Newcastle, located 200 km (124 miles) away. His severed leg was also transported to the trauma center.

Local media reports indicate that McKenzie had only recently returned to surfing after recovering from a significant neck injury that had kept him out of the water. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover McKenzie’s medical and rehabilitation expenses, raising over A$75,000 ($49,000; £38,000) as of Wednesday.

Although Australia has a high number of shark attacks, second only to the US, fatal attacks are relatively rare.

Australia.