New Zealand Surfing Event Halted After Water Photographer Bitten
World Surf League officials said the photographer had minor puncture wounds and was in stable condition after event medical teams responded immediately.
- On Monday, May 25, 2026, the World Surf League halted the New Zealand Pro in Raglan after photographer Ed Sloane suffered a wildlife injury while in the water during competition.
- Organizers suspect a seal or shark injured Sloane, causing minor puncture wounds. WSL commissioner Renato Hickel said medical teams provided on-site care before transporting him to hospital in stable condition.
- A "code red" paused the men's semi-final between Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira, halted less than 15 minutes into the 35-minute heat with Dora leading 6.33 to 3.00.
- Competition was scheduled to resume later Monday following the incident, which occurred 11 years after Australian surfer Mick Fanning famously fought off a shark at the South African J-Bay Pro.
- While organizers initially suspected a sea lion, the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust noted this is unlikely given the lack of a breeding population in the North Island, leaving the animal's identity unconfirmed.
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25 Articles
ledauphine.com
lejsl.comOne stage of the world surf circuit was interrupted this Monday, in New Zealand, after a photographer was bitten by a shark or sea lion in the middle of the semifinal.
WSL event put on hold after Australian photographer attacked by ‘shark or a sea lion’
WLLINGTON — The World Surf League event in New Zealand was abruptly halted on finals day after a photographer was bitten by a sea creature was attacked in the water by a sea creature that organizers believe was a shark or sea lion.Australian Ed Sloane was attacked just before 8.30am on Monday while documenting the men’s semi-finals at the New Zealand Pro, held near Raglan on the west coast of the North Island.The incident happened as Brazilian s…
The Australian photographer who was covering the World Surf League explained that he was "strung on the left foot" by a shark or sea lion.
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