The inaugural World Surf League Championship Tour event in New Zealand, held at Manu Bay in Raglan, went out with a bang over the weekend, with Carissa Moore returning to competition after giving birth to her first child and winning, and Italo Ferreira taking the W for the men. And then, aside from the competition, there was another incident.
Legendary surf photographer Ed Sloane was in the water capturing images for the event – like he’s done for decades – when he was attacked by a mystery creature. Initially, nobody knew what the perpetrator was; they simply called it a “wildlife injury” and called the event off, temporarily, initiating “code red” protocol, reserved for shark attacks and the like.
Now, it’s likely that the attack came from a rather feisty fur seal, and video has captured the attack on camera. See the harrowing moments below.
Competition eventually resumed, following discussion amongst the WSL staff and the surfers, with Moore and Ferreira going all the way, as mentioned before.
As for Sloane, he has shared an update on the incident, as well as images from his hospital bed of the wounds he sustained. Warning: graphic images below.
Related: ‘Code Red’: WSL Finals Day at Raglan Halted After Mysterious Attack
Sloane wrote:
“The last few shots I took before something thought they’d see how I went for breakfast + the aftermath sorry. Really want to thank the @wsl staff, medical team and the very switched on water patrol for the professional response. Especially @kaipoguerrero@changowski and Sam for the immediate shoulder to cry on. Nightmare fuel as it came from directly below. Bit of surgery ahead but should be fine. Thank you also to the Raglan township for sharing this beautiful spot, planning a family trip here to find my mate.”
Messages of inspiration poured in from surfers on the post – like from Mick Fanning, who underwent the most infamous shark encounter during a surf event in history, back in 2015, at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa. Mick chimed in:
“Glad you’re ok Ed!! Scary stuff mate.”
No doubt Ed will be back in the water soon, once he heals up. In the meantime, we’re all sending positive thoughts for the longtime lensman while he’s on the mend.
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