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New Zealand Surfing Event Halted After Water Photographer Bitten
World Surf League officials said the photographer had minor puncture wounds and was in stable condition after event medical teams responded immediately.
- On Monday, May 25, 2026, the World Surf League halted the New Zealand Pro in Raglan after photographer Ed Sloane suffered a wildlife injury while in the water during competition.
- Organizers suspect a seal or shark injured Sloane, causing minor puncture wounds. WSL commissioner Renato Hickel said medical teams provided on-site care before transporting him to hospital in stable condition.
- A "code red" paused the men's semi-final between Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira, halted less than 15 minutes into the 35-minute heat with Dora leading 6.33 to 3.00.
- Competition was scheduled to resume later Monday following the incident, which occurred 11 years after Australian surfer Mick Fanning famously fought off a shark at the South African J-Bay Pro.
- While organizers initially suspected a sea lion, the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust noted this is unlikely given the lack of a breeding population in the North Island, leaving the animal's identity unconfirmed.
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38 Articles
38 Articles
TVA NouvellesReposted by 
Le Journal de Quebec
Le Journal de QuebecThe last day of the World Surf League World Tour was interrupted after a photographer was bitten in the water.
·Montreal, Canada
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ledauphine.comReposted by 
lejsl.com
lejsl.comOne stage of the world surf circuit was interrupted this Monday, in New Zealand, after a photographer was bitten by a shark or sea lion in the middle of the semifinal.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources38
Leaning Left8Leaning Right8Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 28%
C 45%
R 27%
Factuality
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