Shark rips off surfer's leg in horror attack as limb washes up on beach in savage video

A chilling video has emerged showing 23-year-old Australian surfer, Kai McKenzie, being brutally attacked by a great white shark that savagely ripped off his leg at North Shore Beach in Port Macquarie .

The horrifying footage shows the great white closing in on McKenzie as he desperately tries to paddle away. However, his attempts were in vain against the massive predator, which pulled him under the waves in a violent attack.

In an astonishing twist of fate, McKenzie survived, but the shark's bite was so severe that his leg was completely severed. His limb eventually washed up on shore, while the courageous surfer miraculously made it back to land.

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An off-duty police officer, thinking quickly, used his dog's leash as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding until help arrived. Alert bystanders sprang into action, packing the limb in ice while waiting for emergency services.

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Paramedics then air-lifted both Kai and his leg to Port Macquarie Base Hospital, before he was transferred to a specialist trauma centre over 120 miles away.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph, in a race against time, Kai's leg made an unusual journey by ferry across the Hastings River in an attempt to reattach it, although it remains unconfirmed if the surgery has taken place, according to a report by The Sun.

Local shark experts reckon that a 10-foot-long great white could have been behind the shocking strike, with officials confirming a tagged great white was spotted near Coffs Harbour on both Monday and Tuesday. Despite the harrowing experience, Kai remains optimistic about his surfing prospects, promising to be "back in the water in no time."

In the aftermath of the harrowing attack and whilst on the mend from significant injuries, the brave surfer paused to share his sincere feelings and thanks on Instagram: "Man ohh ------- man to be here right now just to ------- be able to hold my beautiful Eve and my family is everything to me, a few days ago I went through a crazy shark attack (biggest shark I've ever seen) which was a very crazy scene and scared the living ---- out of me," declared McKenzie.

He then extended a heartfelt appreciation for the vast support he has received. "It's so cool to see so many beautiful people support me. There are so many messages to get back to but I wanted to say a massive thanks to everyone for your generous donations on the GoFundMe page. We are so very grateful for everything," he sincerely added.

Demonstrating incredible grit, the surfer posted an encouraging photo from his hospital bed, flanked by loved ones, and quipped: "Spot something missing? So good to have so many amazing people behind me. I really appreciate it."