Off-Duty Cop’s Quick Action Saves Surfer After Shark Attack

A surfer in Australia owes his life to an off-duty police officer who used his dog’s leash to save him after a shark attack. The incident took place in New South Wales, where 23-year-old surfer Kai McKenzie was attacked by a nearly 10-foot great white shark, the BBC reported.

Despite the severe injury, McKenzie managed to fend off the shark and surf back to shore. The off-duty officer, who happened to be nearby, quickly fashioned a tourniquet from his dog’s leash to control the bleeding, an act that likely saved McKenzie’s life.

North South Wales first responder Kirran Mowbray lauded the officer’s ingenuity, saying, “He used the lead off his dog as a tourniquet … and essentially saved his life until the paramedics got there.” Locals found McKenzie’s leg on the beach, placed it on ice, and rushed it to the hospital where doctors are working to reattach it.

McKenzie, a dedicated surfer who had just recovered from a neck injury, had expressed his joy at being back in the water in a recent Instagram post. A GoFundMe page set up to help cover his medical expenses and rehabilitation has already raised over $114,000.

McKenzie’s aunt described him as “an incredible surfer, skater, musician, videographer, and all-round legend.” Despite the harrowing experience, McKenzie was “calm” and “able to talk,” according to Mowbray, who commended his bravery and resilience. McKenzie is now in serious but stable condition.