New Zealand: Suspected shark attack halts surfing contest

A World Surf League New Zealand Pro event in Raglan was halted when a marine animal bit a photographer in the water, triggering a major safety response. Officials activated a rare “code red” protocol and pulled surfers from the water during the men’s semi-final. Initial concern focused on whether a shark caused the incident, but later clarification indicated a sea lion was more likely. The photographer, Ed Sloane, was taken to hospital with puncture wounds to his left foot. He was later reported to be in stable condition and good spirits. After the alert, the competition resumed, with Italo Ferreira winning the men’s title and Carissa Moore winning the women’s crown.

"Officials activated a rare “code red” safety protocol and pulled surfers from the water during the men’s semi-final at the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro event in Raglan. “At this stage we are not certain if it was a shark or a sea lion,” Renato Hickel, WSL tours and competition vice president, said. Later, organizers clarified the more likely suspect behind the attack on photographer Ed Sloane. Hickel said the doctor on the scene “was inclined to think it was a sea lion instead of a shark.” “Nevertheless, very scary,” he added."

"Sloane was taken to hospital with puncture wounds to his left foot and was later reported to be in stable condition and good spirits. “Massive thank you to our water patrol for the quick response, our medical team and all the support from our teams for the immediate assistance I received,” Sloane said. The incident prompted an immediate safety response during the event, with surfers removed from the water while officials assessed the threat."

"The league's “code red” protocol was introduced after Australian surfer Mick Fanning was attacked by a shark during an event at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa in 2015. Monday marked the first time it had been used. Once the excitement settled, the competition resumed with Brazil's Italo Ferreira winning the men's title, while Hawaii's Carissa Moore claiming the women's crown."

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