Topic analysis

New Zealand surfing contest halted over suspected shark attack, confirmed likely sea lion bite

The World Surf League's 2026 New Zealand Pro event in Raglan was temporarily suspended after photographer Ed Sloane was bitten by a marine animal, initially suspected to be a shark, marking the first activation of the league's Code Red safety protocol introduced after a 2015 shark attack on surfer Mick Fanning. Officials later confirmed the bite was most likely from a sea lion; Sloane was treated for minor foot puncture wounds and is in stable condition, and the competition resumed with Brazil's Italo Ferreira winning the men's title and Hawaii's Carissa Moore taking the women's crown.