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4 months ago
20
An off-duty cop has been hailed as a hero after he used a dog lead to save the life of a young surfer after he was mauled by a massive three metre white shark on a remote beach.
Kai McKenzie, 23, suffered serious leg injuries after he was attacked at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie on the NSW Mid-North Coast on Tuesday morning.
An off-duty constable was among several beachgoers who rushed to Mr McKenzie's aid after he got out of the water.
He used his dog's lead as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding from the wounded areas.
Police and paramedics arrived at the scene a short time later before Mr McKenzie was rushed to Port Macquarie Base Hospital in a critical but stable condition.
It's since been revealed that Mr McKenzie had only recently returned to the water after he fractured his neck.
'So happy to be back surfing after having a fractured neck,' Mr McKenzie posted on Instagram in January.
He's been described a 'legendary fella' and accomplished surfer, sponsored by well-known brands.
Kai McKenzie, 23 (pictured) suffered serious leg injuries after he was attacked by the shark at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie, around 11am on Tuesday
The Port Macquarie ALS (Australian Lifeguard Service) were among who assisted Mr McKenzie at the scene.
'Lifeguards from Town Beach responded to a serious shark attack at around 11am this morning at North Shore Beach, where some members of public and a fellow surfer were rendering assistance by using makeshift tourniquets,' they wrote on Facebook.
'Beaches between North Shore and Lighthouse Beach (Tacking Point) are closed and will remain closed for at least 24 hours.'
Mr McKenzie, who lives in Bonny Hills, south of Port Macquarie, is understood to have arrived at the beach after he caught a ferry with friend, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council ferry operator Lee Horne told the newspaper the young men are regulars on the ferry service.
Mr Horne praised the efforts of the off-duty cop for saving Mr McKenzie's life.
Mr McKenzie (pictured) is understood to have arrived at the isolated beach with a friend after he caught a ferry
The off-duty cop used his dog's lead as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding from the wounded areas after the young surfer was attacked by the shark (stock image)
North Shore Beach is an isolated area and is a popular spot among surfers and campers.
Visitors usually access the secluded beach by catching a ferry.
Shark tracking website Bitemetrix reported that a 3.09 metre great white shark was on a drum line at Lighthouse Beach, which is also near Port Macquarie.
The website has reported several great white shark sightings over the years at several beaches near the area.
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