A surfer injured by a shark will never walk normally again. Doctors are desperately trying to reattach his leg, which was severed in the attack and washed up on the beach.
Kai McKenzie, 23, was attacked by the predator on Tuesday morning at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie, on the New South Wales north coast.
He fought off the shark and came back to shore on a wave, losing a lot of blood and having a chunk bitten out of his surfboard.
An off-duty police officer used his dog’s leash as a makeshift tourniquet until emergency services arrived and took Mr McKenzie to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
After his leg washed up on the beach, it was placed on ice and taken to hospital amid police lights and sirens. Daily telegram reported.
Mr McKenzie’s distraught loved ones rushed to his bedside, where they spoke with vascular surgeons and specialists about possible operations.
They have made the sombre admission that Mr McKenzie faces a “long road to recovery” regardless of whether the limb can be re-attached.
Neighbor Lauren Mac has a GoFundMe after the attack.
Kai McKenzie was attacked by a shark on Tuesday at Port Macquarie’s North Shore beach
“Kai is currently in John Hunter Hospital awaiting surgery. This is just the first step on the road to a long recovery,” she wrote.
“Please do your best to support this family in Kai’s recovery and rehabilitation.”
Mrs Mac said the prospect of losing his leg was a huge blow for the young surfer who had just returned to the water after breaking his neck.
“They haven’t said yet if they can reattach his leg,” she said.
“His mother and father told me it would be a long road to recovery, no matter what the outcome.”
Mr McKenzie’s aunt Michelle described him in a heartfelt Facebook post as an “all-round” legend.
“He always enjoyed life to the fullest and made the most of every moment,” she wrote.
‘Yesterday he was attacked by a shark at Part Macquarie while doing what he loves most.
“There has been so much support from the community, it’s been incredible.”
Mr McKenzie managed to fend off the shark and returned to shore with a wave, suffering serious injuries to his legs and a chunk bitten out of his surfboard
So far, the Australians have donated $40,000 to the young surfer.
Members of the surfing community also wished him a speedy recovery, including his sponsor Rage who shared a touching message on Instagram.
“Love to Kai, the youngest RAGE kid on the team and the toughest person we know,” it read.
‘Yesterday he was attacked by a shark and lost his leg while surfing in Port Macquarie.
‘He has been through a lot, broke his back (cervical vertebra) last year. He has never complained, has always started doing what he likes as soon as possible. He is an inspiring person.
“The whole rage gang loves you, man, and we’ll see you soon.”
The NSW Department of Primary Industries told Daily Mail Australia they believe it was a three-metre great white shark.
Over the past week, 15 white sharks have been spotted in the area.
An off-duty police officer used his dog’s leash as a makeshift tourniquet until emergency services arrived