Surfer Kai McKenzie undergoes surgery after leg ripped off in shark attack, huge response to fundraiser

A young surfer mauled in a shark attack has undergone delicate surgery after his leg was ripped off in the terrifying frenzy.

Kai McKenzie, who was attacked at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie at about 11am on Tuesday, managed to fight off the shark and catch a wave back to the shore where bystanders sprang into action to save his life.

A retired police officer used his dog’s lead as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding before Mr McKenzie was airlifted to hospital.

Authorities believe a three-metre great white shark was behind the attack and have said the actions of the former police officer in the moments after Mr McKenzie managed to get himself to shore “essentially saved his life”.

His leg later washed ashore and was retrieved by a police officer who put it on ice. It was later taken to John Hunter Hospital where Mr McKenzie was clinging to life.

It is unclear whether the marathon surgery he underwent on Wednesday night was to reattach his leg. The Daily Telegraph has reported vascular surgeons and specialists were in talks with the family on surgery options.

When asked if doctors were planning to reattach Mr McKenzie’s leg, Lauren Mac, a neighbour of the Bonny Hill family, told the Telegraph: “I can confirm that he has had surgery and that he is stable (Thursday morning) but this is all the family wants released at this time,” she said.

Michelle McKenzie, Mr McKenzie’s aunt, wrote on Facebook that he “has always lived life to the fullest – squeezing every minute out of the day.”

“Yesterday he was attacked by a shark at Port Macquarie, doing what he loved. He suffered life-changing injuries.

“There have been so many offers of support from the community, which is incredible. Right now, the best support would be a donation, if possible. I have no doubt the road to recovery for him will be a long and expensive one and any financial support to assist his journey would be incredible. Big love to my beautiful family. X.”

A GoFundMe campaign set up by Ms Mac has raised about $130,000 in just 24 hours — $30,000 more than the target.

“As you can imagine, the upcoming medical expenses for his recovery and rehabilitation is something no one would ever be prepared for. The funds raised will go into assisting Kai in every aspect of his recovery, “ Ms Mac wrote.

“They are a local family with hearts of gold that would never expect or ask anything of anybody, so let’s give back and show them that they have the communities support in this.”

The incident has shocked the surfing community and made headlines around the world.