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Surfer’s leg washes up after shark attack – and doctors work to reattach it in Australia

Surfer’s leg washes up after shark attack – and doctors work to reattach it in Australia

The severed leg of an Australian surfer who was attacked by a shark has washed up – with doctors hoping they can reattach the limb.

Kai McKenzie, 23, was surfing in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, on Tuesday when he was attacked by a shark. He was able to fight it off but his right leg was severed.

Image:
Mr McKenzie’s board after the attack. Pic: NSW police

He managed to catch a wave into shore, where a member of the public used his dog’s lead as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding, a neighbour of his family said.

Pic: Phil Gallagher
Image:
Pic: Phil Gallagher

His leg washed up shortly after and was put on ice by locals, according to local reports.

Mr McKenzie was initially taken to a local hospital before both he and the leg were airlifted to a major trauma centre around 124 miles away.

Doctors are now rushing to assess whether they can reattach the leg. Mr McKenzie remains in a serious but stable condition.

It is believed a 3m-long great white shark bit Mr McKenzie.

Pic: Phil Gallagher
Image:
Pic: Phil Gallagher

A GoFundMe for Mr McKenzie has raised more than AU$100,000 (£50,000)

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The surfer had recently returned to the sport after suffering a significant neck injury, according to a post on his Instagram page.