The severed leg of a surfer attacked by a shark has washed up on an Australian beach, prompting a medical race to determine if it can be reattached.
Kai McKenzie, 23, was surfing near Port Macquarie in New South Wales (NSW) on Tuesday when a 3m (9.8ft) great white shark bit him.
He managed to catch a wave to shore, where an off-duty police officer used a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding, authorities reported.
His leg washed up a short time later and was placed on ice by locals before being taken to the hospital, where a medical team is now assessing surgery options.
Mr. McKenzie, a sponsored surfer, remains in serious but stable condition, according to emergency services, who have thanked the off-duty officer for his rapid response.
“He used the lead off his dog as a tourniquet… and essentially saved his life until the paramedics got there,” said NSW Ambulance’s Kirran Mowbray.
She described Mr. McKenzie as “calm” and “able to talk” following the attack. “He’s just a really brave and courageous young man,” she added.
Mr. McKenzie was rushed to a local hospital shortly after the incident, then flown to the John Hunter Hospital, a major trauma center, in Newcastle, some 200km (124 miles) away. His severed leg also made the long journey.
The avid surfer had recently returned to the water after recovering from a significant neck injury that had forced him to take time off from the sport, according to local media reports.
A GoFundMe page created to help Mr. McKenzie’s family with medical and rehabilitation costs has raised over A$75,000 ($49,000; £38,000) as of Wednesday.
While Australia has more shark attacks than any other country except the US, fatal attacks remain relatively rare.