Surfer Kai McKenzie loses leg in great white attack

Kai McKenzie, 23, from Bonny Hills, was in the surf at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie when he was attacked about 11am on Tuesday. He saw the shark approach and was able to fight it off but suffered a severed right leg.

An off-duty police officer has been credited with saving his life after using a dog leash as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding.

The surfer remains in a critical condition.

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As reported by ABC Mid North Coast:

Community rallies around surfer Kai McKenzie after North Shore Beach shark attack near Port Macquarie

Shark attack survivors and the surfing community are rallying to support Kai McKenzie who remains in a critical condition after being attacked by a shark near Port Macquarie.

The 23-year-old's leg was severed when he was bitten by a great white shark at North Shore Beach on the New South Wales Mid North Coast on Tuesday morning.

Surfboard shaper Luke Short, who has been making Mr McKenzie's surfboards as part of a sponsorship deal for more than five years, said the surfing scene was rattled as news of the attack sent shock waves across the community.

"We were all kind of hoping we heard it wrong," Mr Short said.

"In this situation we're always trying to pick the positives.

"It's amazing that he's survived."

Mr McKenzie was attacked while surfing at North Shore Beach, north of the Hastings River.

The 23-year-old managed to catch a wave to shore where he was treated by bystanders.

An off-duty police officer who was walking his dog on the beach used its lead as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding before paramedics arrived.

NSW Police media have confirmed Mr McKenzie's leg was severed.

Mr McKenzie was later flown to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle where he remains in a stable but critical condition.

Mr Short said the 23-year-old had only recently returned to surfing, after recovering from a fractured neck.

"He fractured his neck while he was seeing a band, in the mosh pit," Mr Short said.

"He's a wise young fella. He's been through a lot of stuff, but this is unbelievable really."

Port Macquarie Hastings Lifeguards have posted on social media that beach closures have now been lifted after Tuesday's incident.

Survivors offer support

Dave Pearson, the founder of shark attack support group Bite Club, said members were busy preparing to offer support to Mr McKenzie and his family.

"We can just offer a shoulder, as someone who is not personally involved, but understands what's going on and can help them navigate that," Mr Pearson said. 

"It's tough on us, but it's something we need to do."

Mr Pearson said the latest shark attack would undoubtably affect the victims and first responders involved in prior shark events across the Mid North Coast.

"New events bring up old events, and unfortunately your head will go there," he said.

"You have to learn how to deal with that personally and, unfortunately, put your own feelings aside because you're here to help.

"If we look at the Port Macquarie area alone there are so many people who have been involved in other people's shark attacks that I know today are not feeling the best."

 - AUTHOR: CHARLES RUSHFORTH

 - SOURCE ABC MID NORTH COAST

ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE