The World Surf League competition in New Zealand was stopped suddenly on the final day after a photographer suffered a bite from a marine animal. Australian Ed Sloane was attacked shortly before 8:30 a.m. while covering the men’s semi-finals at the New Zealand Pro near Raglan on the North Island’s west coast. The event was paused ten minutes after it began, and Brazilian surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira were removed from the water by jet ski. Renato Hickel, vice president of tours and competition, said on the broadcast that it was the first time a code red had been activated. He noted that the photographer was in good spirits and receiving care. Hickel added that Sloane had minor puncture wounds and was taken to hospital. Doctors at the scene believed the bite likely came from a sea lion rather than a shark, though the incident remained alarming. Sloane later issued a statement thanking those who offered support and confirming he was receiving treatment for bites to his left foot. He praised the quick actions of the water patrol and medical staff. The league said the safety of staff and athletes remained the top priority and that further updates would follow. Organizers planned to resume the interrupted heat on Monday afternoon. The event marks the largest surf contest hosted in New Zealand, drawing hundreds of spectators to Manu Bay. Such attacks remain very uncommon in the area.
