Pro semi-final halted after photographer injured by wildlife
Quick Look
- A New Zealand surfing competition was halted after an in-water photographer sustained puncture wounds from a wildlife encounter.
- The photographer is stable and receiving medical attention, with officials unsure if the animal was a shark or a sea lion.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The New Zealand Pro semi-final between Brazilian surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira was halted due to an in-water photographer suffering injuries from a wildlife encounter. The photographer sustained small puncture wounds and was taken to a hospital.
The New Zealand Pro semi-final between Brazilian world champions Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira at Raglan was halted after the in-water photographer suffered puncture wounds and needed medical attention, the WSL said.
“This morning one of the water photography team suffered a wildlife injury,” said WSL deputy commissioner Renato Hinkle.
He said the photographer had small puncture wounds. “He’s OK, he’s on his way to a hospital. We are in constant communication with him, he’s in a stable condition.”
Hinkle earlier told the event broadcast they were unsure what kind of animal had caused the injury.
“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,” he said. “Nevertheless, very scary.”
Open Questions
- What specific animal caused the injury?
- What is the extent of the photographer's injuries?
- Will the competition resume?
- What safety measures will be implemented going forward?
