27 August 2023 , 05:38
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A surfer had his foot ripped clean off by a deadly 14ft shark during a horror attack.
Toby Begg was left fighting for his life after being mauled by the beast for 30 seconds on New South Wales' mid-coast. Police said Toby was surfing with six others when he was bitten in a “fairly sustained and prolonged attack”. He battled with the predator just off Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie on Friday morning.
The fight for his life cost him his leg, while other surfers rushed to his aid and pulled him to shore. They started first aid before Toby was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
Toby was left fighting for life after the attack (9NEWS)After undergoing several operations, his condition has improved but he still has a long way to recovery, Toby's family has said. His brother-in-law Chris Lenihan said Toby suffered "extremely serious and life-changing" injuries in the attack.
He said: "It is very early stages and the full extent of his injuries are being uncovered. However, he will require many surgeries and has years of rehabilitation ahead of him."
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Chris described Toby as a “loving partner” to his sister Tracy and dad to the couple’s two “beautiful” children: “He is a skilled builder, runs a business and is the family breadwinner." He added: "It is very early stages and the full extent of his injuries are being uncovered however, he will require many surgeries and has years of rehabilitation ahead of him."
Chief Inspector Martin Burke from NSW Police said: "The reports are that a man has tried to fight this shark for 30 seconds and has then swum himself to shore where he has realised he has sustained significant lower leg injuries.
"From what I understand, it was a sustained and prolonged attack." After seeing Toby getting attacked, an emergency doctor instructed others to gather sticks so he could fashion a makeshift tourniquet.
A horrified teenage girl witnessed the shark attack unfold and said Toby was "frozen" in fear as bystanders rushed to help him. She told NBN: "His foot ripped off and basically he was bleeding everywhere.
"They were trying to talk to him, he was silent, he was frozen. They tried to tie his leg with the leg rope from the surfboard and some sticks to keep it straight."
Experts will use drones to determine the species and size of the shark that mauled the man, which is currently believed to have been a large Great White. Mid North Coast Lifeguard Coordinator James Turnham said it had been nearly ten years since a shark attack in the area.
The family has launched a GoFundme page to help raise funds for Toby's recovery.