A major surfing event in New Zealand came to an abrupt halt amid widespread alarm after a marine animal bit a photographer in the water.
The initial fear was that a shark might have sabotaged the competition.
What we know about New Zealand shark alerts
Officials activated a rare “Code Red” safety protocol and evacuated surfers from the water during the men’s semi-finals at the World Surf League’s New Zealand Pro event in Raglan.
“At this stage we’re not sure whether it was a shark or a sea lion,” said Renato Hickel, WSL vice president of tour and competitions.
Later, organizers clarified the more likely suspect behind the attack was photographer Ed Sloane.
Hickel said the doctor at the scene “thought it was a sea lion rather than a shark.”
He added, “Still, very scary.”
Sloane was taken to the hospital with injuries to her left leg and was later reported to be in stable condition and in good condition.
“Thank you so much to our water patrol for the quick response, our medical team, and all of our teams for the immediate assistance I received,” Sloane said.
‘Code Red’ protocol was used for the first time
The league’s “Code Red” protocol was introduced in 2015 after Australian surfer Mick Fanning was attacked by a shark during an event in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.
It was used for the first time on Monday.
Once the excitement subsided, the competition resumed, with Brazil’s Italo Ferreira winning the men’s title, while Hawaii’s Carissa Moore won the women’s title.
Edited by Richard Connor