Surfing event in NZ issued 'code red' after animal attacks photographer
A pro surfing event in New Zealand was temporarily halted after a photographer was attacked by an animal, suspected to be a seal. The photographer, Ed Sloane, sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital but is in good spirits. The competition resumed shortly after the incident, with the men's semifinal being put on hold during the emergency response.
- ▪The New Zealand Pro World Surf League event was put on hold after an apparent seal attack on photographer Ed Sloane.
- ▪Sloane suffered puncture wounds to his ankle and had a flipper ripped off but is reported to be in good spirits.
- ▪A 'code red' was issued immediately following the attack, causing a temporary suspension of the men's semifinal.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Pro surfing event in New Zealand put on hold after apparent seal attack on photographerTopic:SurfingMon 25 May 2026 at 12:16pmMon 25 May 2026 at 12:16pmMon 25 May 2026 at 12:16pmA surfer is taken from the water after the apparent seal attack. (Supplied: WSL)In short:The New Zealand Pro World Surf League event has been put on hold after an animal attacked a photographer.The competition was issued a "code red", with the attack believed to have been from a seal.What's next?The Australian photographer was taken to hospital, with the event resuming shortly after the attack.abc.net.au/news/pro-surfing-event-in-nz-on-hold-after-animal-attack/106718276Link copiedShareShare articleA water photographer is in hospital with bite wounds after an apparent seal attack at the New Zealand Pro World Surf…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).