Photographer Attacked by Sea Creature at World Surf League Event in New Zealand
Quick Look
- A photographer was attacked by a sea creature, possibly a shark or sea lion, during the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro event in Raglan.
- The incident halted the men's semi-finals, and the photographer sustained minor puncture wounds.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The finals day of the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro event was halted due to an attack on a photographer in the water. The incident occurred during the men's semi-finals in Raglan.
The finals day of the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro event was halted after a photographer was attacked in the water by a sea creature that organisers believe was a shark or sea lion.
The incident happened as Brazilian surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira competed in the men's semi-finals in Raglan on the North Island.
A 'code red' was activated with the event put on hold while medical teams responded.
Renato Hickel, World Surf League vice-president of tours and competition, said the photographer had "small puncture wounds" and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
"We activate the code red when it's a sea life attack on a surfer or a photographer. This time it was our beloved water photographer and thank God he's in good spirits. He's well considering what happened," Hickel said on the WSL broadcast.
He added: "At this stage we're not certain if it was a shark or a sea lion. The doctor that was here helping on the scene was inclined to think it was a sea lion instead of a shark.
"Nevertheless very scary. Italo and Yago were very shaken. They saw the splash and the incident, so another reason to put the event on hold.
"Hopefully we can wrap the event today."
Open Questions
- Was the attacker a shark or a sea lion?
- What was the exact nature of the photographer's injuries?
- Will the event be resumed or cancelled?
- What safety measures will be implemented in the future?
