Photographer Bitten by Sea Lion or Shark Halts WSL Event in New Zealand
The World Surf League’s New Zealand Pro in Raglan was suspended for several hours on May 25, 2026, after Australian photographer Ed Sloane was bitten on the foot by a suspected sea lion or shark during the men’s semi-finals. A rare “code red” protocol was activated, surfers were evacuated, and Sloane was hospitalized with puncture wounds but in stable condition. The event resumed with enhanced safety measures, and Brazil’s Italo Ferreira won the men’s title.
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Photographer Bitten at Surfing Competition in New Zealand, Code Red Triggered
During the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour in Raglan, New Zealand, Australian photographer Ed Sloane was bitten on the foot by an unknown marine animal, prompting the first-ever 'Code Red' safety protocol activation. The incident occurred during the men's semifinal between Brazilian surfers Italo Ferreira and Yago Dora. Sloane was hospitalized with minor bite wounds and later posted images on Instagram, stating he needed surgery but would recover. WSL Vice President Renato Hickel confirmed the Code Red protocol, introduced after a 2013 shark attack on surfer Mick Fanning, was triggered. The attending doctor speculated the attacker was a sea lion rather than a shark. The event resumed after several hours with additional jet skis and drones for water surveillance. Italo Ferreira went on to win the competition and take the lead in the Championship Tour standings.
Nachrichten - WELTNew Zealand Surfing Contest Halted After Suspected Shark Attack Turns Out to Be Sea Lion
A major surfing competition, the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro in Raglan, was abruptly halted after a photographer, Ed Sloane, was bitten in the water, triggering fears of a shark attack. Officials activated a rare 'code red' safety protocol for the first time since its introduction in 2015, pulling surfers from the water during the men's semi-final. However, organizers later clarified that the culprit was likely a sea lion, not a shark. Sloane was taken to hospital with puncture wounds to his left foot and was reported to be in stable condition and good spirits. The competition resumed after the incident, with Brazil's Italo Ferreira winning the men's title and Hawaii's Carissa Moore claiming the women's crown.
Deutsche WelleWorld Surf League event in New Zealand halted after photographer bitten by shark or sea lion
The World Surf League's New Zealand Pro event near Raglan was abruptly halted on finals day after Australian photographer Ed Sloane was bitten by a sea creature, believed to be either a shark or a sea lion. The attack occurred just before 8:30 am during the men's semi-finals. Sloane sustained puncture wounds to his ankle and had a flipper ripped off, but was reported in stable condition and good spirits. The 'code red' protocol was activated for the first time in WSL history, and surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira were extracted from the water. Organizers paused the event pending further safety assessments, emphasizing staff and competitor safety as the priority. The incident drew comparisons to Mick Fanning's shark encounter in 2015.
Sport | The GuardianSurf Photographer Attacked by Shark or Sea Lion at New Zealand Pro Event
The finals day of the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro event in Raglan, New Zealand, was temporarily paused after Australian photographer Ed Sloane was attacked in the water by a sea creature, believed to be either a shark or a sea lion. The incident occurred during the men's semi-finals between Brazilian surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira. A 'code red' was activated, and medical teams responded. Sloane sustained small puncture wounds to his left foot and was taken to hospital. He later thanked medical staff and the WSL water patrol for their assistance. The event resumed after several hours with enhanced safety measures, including additional jet skis and a drone spotter. The exact animal responsible remains unclear.
BBC SportPhotographer Bitten by Possible Shark During World Surf League Event in Raglan
A photographer was attacked by a sea creature, believed to be a shark, while covering the World Surf League event in Raglan, New Zealand. The incident occurred on May 25, 2026, and has been described as 'nightmare fuel' by witnesses. The photographer sustained bites but the extent of injuries and the specific species of the creature have not been confirmed. The event was temporarily disrupted as authorities responded to the incident. This marks a rare and alarming occurrence during a professional surfing competition, raising concerns about marine wildlife interactions in the area.
Stuff - /Suspected sea lion bite injures photographer, halts World Surf League event in New Zealand
A photographer covering the final day of the World Surf League (WSL) New Zealand Pro at Raglan was bitten on the foot on Monday, May 25, 2026, forcing a several-hour suspension of the event. The semi-final between Brazilian world champions Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira was halted after the in-water photographer suffered puncture wounds and required medical attention. WSL deputy commissioner Renato Hinkle stated the photographer is in stable condition and was taken to hospital. Officials are uncertain whether the bite came from a sea lion or a shark, though the on-site doctor leaned toward a sea lion. The incident was described as 'very scary' by Hinkle.
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