The World Surf League New Zealand Pro event was put on hold Monday after a photographer was bitten by an unknown sea creature [1].

This incident marks a significant safety breach during a professional surfing competition, necessitating the immediate evacuation of athletes from the water to prevent further injuries.

Australian photographer Ed Sloane was bitten just before 8:30 a.m. [1] local time on May 25, 2026 [2]. The incident occurred in Raglan, located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island [1].

Safety protocols were triggered immediately following the attack, resulting in the activation of a "code red" [1]. This was the first-time activation of such a protocol in the history of the World Surf League [1]. The alert prompted an emergency evacuation of all competitors from the lineup.

There is no confirmed identity of the animal responsible for the injury. Reports indicate the creature was possibly a shark or a sea lion [1]. Other reports described the animal as an unknown sea creature [3].

The event was halted as officials assessed the risk to participants and staff [3]. The specific nature of the bite and the photographer's condition were not detailed in the initial reports, but the severity was enough to stop the competition [2].

Raglan is known for its world-class surfing waves, but the presence of large marine mammals and predators is a known variable for those working in the water. The WSL's decision to implement a full evacuation reflects the high priority placed on athlete safety when unidentified predators are present in the surf zone [1].

“The event was put on hold after a photographer was bitten by an unknown sea creature.”

The activation of a 'code red' for the first time in WSL history indicates a shift in how the league manages wildlife threats. By halting the event and evacuating athletes, the WSL is prioritizing risk mitigation over competition schedules, acknowledging that the uncertainty of the animal's identity—whether a shark or a sea lion—poses an unacceptable danger to the competitors.