Suspension of New Zealand Surfing Event After Photographer's Sea Lion Bite

A major surfing event in New Zealand was temporarily suspended after Australian photographer Ed Sloane was bitten on the foot by a creature suspected to be a sea lion. The incident occurred during the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro event, leading to immediate medical attention and the activation of a 'code red' protocol. Brazilian surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira were competing when the incident happened, causing them to be shaken. The event resumed later with enhanced safety measures in place. This marks the first use of the code red protocol since a shark attack on surfer Mick Fanning in 2015.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 13:46 IST

Incident at the World Surf League Event

A significant surfing competition in New Zealand faced suspension on Monday following an incident where a photographer was bitten by a creature believed to be a sea lion.

Ed Sloane, an Australian photographer, was covering the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro event when he reported a bite on his left foot.

After receiving medical attention, he was transported to a hospital, with initial concerns suggesting a shark might have been involved.

"I want to extend my gratitude to the water patrol for their swift response, the medical team, and everyone who provided immediate support," Sloane expressed.

In response to the bite incident in Raglan, located on New Zealand's North Island, a "code red" was activated, according to Renato Hickel, the World Surf League's vice-president of tours and competition.

"The attending doctor suspected it was a sea lion rather than a shark," Hickel shared during a broadcast.

"Regardless, it was quite frightening."

At the time of the incident, Brazilian surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira were competing in the semi-finals, prompting an immediate halt to the event.

"Italo and Yago were understandably shaken by the event," Hickel noted.

"They witnessed the splash and the incident, which contributed to the decision to pause the competition."

The event resumed later that afternoon, with Ferreira claiming victory in the men's category and American surfer Carissa Moore winning the women's.

Hickel mentioned that additional safety protocols were implemented, including jet skis patrolling the waters, drones monitoring from above, and spotters stationed onshore.

This was the first instance where organizers activated the code red protocol, a measure established after Australian surfer Mick Fanning was attacked by a shark during a World Surf League event in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, in July 2015.

Fanning described his escape from that attack as a "miracle" after he managed to punch the shark.