Photographer bitten by suspected sea lion halts NZ surf event

A major surfing competition in New Zealand was temporarily suspended on Monday after a photographer was bitten by a suspected sea lion while shooting from the water, prompting organizers to activate an emergency protocol for the first time.

Australian photographer Ed Sloane was covering the men's semifinal of the World Surf League's New Zealand Pro at Manu Bay near Raglan on the country's North Island when he was bitten on his left foot. Sloane suffered minor puncture wounds and was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Organizers initially did not rule out a shark attack, but a doctor at the scene indicated a sea lion was likely responsible.

“At this stage we are not certain if it was a shark or a sea lion. The doctor that was here helping on the scene was inclined to think it was a sea lion instead of a shark,” said Renato Hickel, the World Surf League vice president of tours and competition. “Nevertheless, very scary.”

The incident occurred just before 8:30 a.m. local time, minutes into the semifinal heat between Brazilian surfers Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira. Organizers sounded a horn and activated a “code red,” halting the heat and clearing the water. The two surfers were...