New Zealand surf event halted as sea creature bites photographer

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Wellington: A premier World Surf League event in New Zealand was abruptly suspended on Monday after a suspected sea creature attacked an official water photographer.

The emergency safety protocol was activated roughly ten minutes into the men's semifinal heats at the New Zealand Pro near Raglan.

Photographer Ed Sloane was swimming in the competition lineup when a large marine creature ambushed him from below, biting his foot and ripping away his swim fin.

Water patrol teams on jet skis rushed to the scene to rescue Sloane and safely evacuate shaken competitors from the surf.

Sloane was hospitalised with deep ankle puncture wounds consistent with a predator strike, though officials note a territorial sea lion has not been entirely ruled out.

The competition was delayed for several hours before resuming under heavy drone and jet ski surveillance.