Photographer Attacked During Surf Competition

Finals day at a top surfing contest in New Zealand briefly turned into a rescue scene when a photographer was bitten in the water. The World Surf League triggered a "code red" and halted the New Zealand Pro at Raglan on Monday after Australian photographer Ed Sloane was injured during the men's semifinal heat featuring Brazilians Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira, per the BBC. League official Renato Hickel described a "sea life attack," adding Sloane was taken to a hospital with small puncture wounds to his left foot. He'd had a flipper "ripped off," per the Guardian.

Organizers suspect he was bitten by a shark or a sea lion, with one doctor on scene favoring the sea lion theory. Dora and Ferreira witnessed the commotion and were described as shaken, contributing to the decision to pause the competition for several hours. When the event resumed, extra safety precautions were in place, including more jet skis and a drone scanning the waves. In a statement, Sloane thanked medics and safety crews, noting the unknown creature "came from directly below" in what he termed "nightmare fuel," per Sky News. He added he now faces surgery "but should be fine." Ferreira went on to claim victory in the men's event.