A surfer attacked by a shark may never walk normally again as doctors desperately try to reattach the leg he had severed in the attack before washing ashore.
Kai McKenzie, 23, was attacked by the predator at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie on the central north coast of New South Wales on Tuesday morning.
He fought off the shark and caught a wave that carried him back to shore, suffering severe blood loss and a chunk of his surfboard bitten off.
An off-duty police officer used his dog’s leash as a makeshift tourniquet until paramedics arrived and took Mr McKenzie to Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
After her leg washed up on the beach, it was placed on ice and she was rushed to the hospital under police lights and sirens. Daily Telegraph reported.
Mr McKenzie’s devastated loved ones rushed to his side, where they are talking to vascular surgeons and specialists about surgical options.
They have made the grim admission that Mr McKenzie faces a “long road to recovery” regardless of whether the limb can be reattached or not.
Neighbor Lauren Mac installed a GoFundMe following the attack.
Kai McKenzie was attacked by a shark at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie on Tuesday
“Kai is currently at John Hunter Hospital awaiting surgery, which is just the first step on what will be a long road to recovery,” she wrote.
‘Please make an effort to help this family with Kai’s recovery and rehabilitation.’
Ms Mac said the prospect of losing his leg was a shocking blow for the young surfer who had just returned to the water after fracturing his neck.
“They haven’t said yet whether they’ll be able to reattach his leg,” he said.
“His mom and dad told me it will be a long road to recovery, regardless of the outcome.”
McKenzie’s aunt Michelle described him as an “all-round” legend in an emotional Facebook post.
“She has always lived life to the fullest, making the most of every minute of every day,” he wrote.
‘He was attacked by a shark yesterday in Part Macquarie while doing what he loved.
“There have been so many offers of support from the community, which is amazing.”
Mr McKenzie fought off the shark and caught a wave that carried him back to shore with severe leg injuries and a chunk of his surfboard bitten off.
So far, 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 an emotional post on Instagram.
“Sending love to Kai, the youngest RAGE guy on the team and the toughest person we know,” it read.
‘He was attacked by a shark yesterday and lost his leg while surfing in Port Macquarie.
“He’s been through a lot, last year he broke his back (neck vertebrae). He never complained, he always dedicated himself to doing what he loves as soon as possible. He’s an inspiring person.
‘The whole Rage gang loves you, man, and we’ll see you soon.’
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries told Daily Mail Australia that they suspect the shark was a three-metre great white shark.
Over the past week, 15 great white sharks have been spotted in the area.
An off-duty police officer used his dog’s leash as a makeshift tourniquet until paramedics arrived.