An off-duty police officer in Australia heroically saved a surfer’s life using his dog’s leash as a tourniquet after a shark attack. Kai McKenzie, a 23-year-old surfer, had his leg bitten off by a nearly 10-foot great white shark while surfing off the coast of New South Wales, as reported by the BBC.
Despite the severe injury, McKenzie managed to fend off the shark and ride a wave back to shore. The off-duty officer, who was nearby, quickly used his dog’s leash to stem the bleeding, likely saving McKenzie’s life. The officer’s quick thinking was praised by North South Wales first responder Kirran Mowbray, who noted, “He used the lead off his dog as a tourniquet … and essentially saved his life until the paramedics got there.”
A short time later, locals found McKenzie’s severed leg washed up on the beach and put it on ice. Authorities transported the leg to the hospital, where doctors are currently attempting to reattach it. Despite the ordeal, McKenzie remained “calm” and “able to talk,” according to Mowbray, who described him as “a really brave and courageous young man.”
McKenzie, a sponsored surfer, had recently returned to surfing after recovering from a neck injury. In a recent Instagram post, he expressed his joy at being back in the water. More than $114,000 has already been raised on a GoFundMe page to assist with McKenzie’s rehabilitation and medical expenses.
McKenzie’s aunt described him as “an incredible surfer, skater, musician, videographer and all-round legend” who has always lived life to the fullest. Currently, McKenzie is in serious but stable condition, as reported by the BBC.
