Video of the shocking moment a shark attacked a young surfer, severing his leg, on the Mid North Coast of NSW has been leaked online — triggering an internal police investigation.
Kai McKenzie, 23, had to fight off what experts believe was a 3m great white while surfing at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie about 11am on Tuesday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Moment young surfer attacked by shark in NSW caught on camera.
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McKenzie bravely paddled back to shore where a retired police officer used his dog’s lead as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding — a move authorities said “essentially saved his life”.
McKenzie was airlifted to hospital but his leg, which was also recovered on the beach, could not be reattached.
Vision of the attack showing McKenzie frantically trying to escape the ocean predator has since been leaked.
Authorities believe the leak came via a police station.
“NSW Police are aware of a video circulating online and have commenced an investigation into how the video came to be released,” police said.
“The NSWPF does not tolerate this kind of conduct and will take appropriate action pending the outcome of the investigation.”
Doctors did everything they could to reattach McKenzie’s leg but ultimately were unsuccessful.
On Monday, McKenzie shared a group photo and the light-hearted caption: “Spot something missing?”
“So good to have so many amazing people behind me. I really appreciate it,” he said in the Instagram post.
He previously shared his relief at being alive and being able to hold his family in his arms.
“A few days ago I went through a crazy shark attack — biggest shark I’ve ever seen — which was a very crazy scene and scared the living f*** out of me,” he said.
“But to all you … kind-hearted people, all you legends, to anyone and everyone — all your support has meant the absolute world to me.”
A GoFundMe was launched to cover medical expenses and support his recovery and rehabilitation.
McKenzie said he was “so very grateful” to everyone for their donations.