World Surf League New Zealand Pro halted after photographer bitten by sea creature

AI Summary

The World Surf League event in New Zealand was stopped when a photographer was bitten by an unidentified sea creature, possibly a shark or sea lion, prompting a safety halt. Brazilian surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira were rescued, and organizers plan to resume the heat later pending safety checks.

On 25 May 2026, the World Surf League’s New Zealand Pro at Raglan was abruptly halted when a photographer was bitten by an unidentified sea creature just before 8:30 am during the men’s semi‑finals.

Photographer attacked during New Zealand Pro finals

Location: near Raglan, Manu Bay, North Island, New Zealand.
Time: just before 8:30 am local time.
Victim: the event’s water photographer, who suffered minor puncture wounds.
Uncertainty: doctors on scene leaned toward a sea lion bite, but a shark could not be ruled out.

Minimal injuries and immediate medical response

The photographer was assessed on‑site, declared stable, and transported to hospital for treatment of minor puncture wounds.
Brazilian surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira were extracted from the water on jet skis and were unharmed.

Safety concerns prompt event suspension

WSL activated “code red” for the first time, halting the competition for about 10 minutes.
Organisers placed the event on hold pending further safety assessments.
Statement from WSL emphasized staff and competitor safety as the top priority.

Potential resumption and future precautions

Organisers aimed to restart Dora and Ferreira’s heat around midday on the following Monday.
The incident highlights the rarity of marine animal attacks in the region and may lead to revised safety protocols for future surf events.