A surfer’s severed foot washed up on an Asian beach in time for surgery after being attacked by a shark.
Kai McKenzie, 23, was surfing near Port Macquarie in New South Wales ( NSW) on Tuesday, when a 3m great white shark bit him.
He managed to catch a wave into sea, where an off-duty plan officer used a wooden bandage to plant his bruising, according to officials.
His leg was afterwards washed away, and citizens iced it before taking him to the clinic where a medical team is now weighing possible surgeries.
Mr McKenzie- who is an aspiring pro-surfer- remains in a critical but stable state, according to emergency services, who have thanked the off-duty officer for his swift response to the incident.
” He used the guide off his puppy as a splint… and effectively saved his life until the paramedics got it”, said NSW Ambulance’s Kirran Mowbray.
She described Mr McKenzie as” relaxed” and “able to speak” following the attack. ” He’s really a truly brave and courageous young man”, she added.
Mr. McKenzie was taken to a nearby hospital shortly after the incident, before being flown to Newcastle, which is a major trauma center, about 200 kilometers ( 124 miles ) away. Additionally, his severed foot made the lengthy trip.
According to local media reports, the avid surfer had only just returned to the waters after suffering a serious chest wound that required him to take time off from the game.
A GoFundMe page to help Mr McKenzie’s family with his medical and rehabilitation costs has been created, attracting over A$ 75, 000 ($ 49, 000, £38, 000 ) as of Wednesday.
fatal shark attacks are still a rarity in Australia despite the state having the most fish attacks, aside from the US.