Breaking News: World Surf League Event Paused After Photographer Attacked
The finals day of the World Surf League’s New Zealand Pro event was paused after a photographer was attacked by a sea creature, believed to be either a shark or a sea lion. The incident occurred during the men’s semi-finals featuring Brazilian surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira in Raglan, North Island.
A “code red” was activated on Monday, putting the event on hold while medical teams responded. Australian photographer Ed Sloane suffered “small puncture wounds” and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
Renato Hickel, vice-president of tours and competition for the World Surf League, stated that the situation was serious but Sloane was in good spirits. The medical team on site suggested it might have been a sea lion rather than a shark.
Both surfers were reportedly shaken after witnessing the incident. Sloane expressed gratitude for the immediate assistance he received and reassured everyone that he was doing okay.
After several hours, the event resumed with enhanced safety measures, including additional jet skis and a drone to monitor the water. The exact nature of the sea creature involved remains unclear.
