Marine animal attack halts New Zealand surfing event, photographer injured

A major surfing event in New Zealand came to an abrupt halt amid a huge alarm after a marine animal bit a photographer in the water.

The initial fear was that a shark might have crashed the competition.

What we know about the New Zealand shark alert

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.

First time 'code red' protocol used

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.

Edited by Richard Connor