New South Wales, August 27: Toby Begg, a 44-year-old surfer, is currently battling for his life after a horrifying encounter with a deadly 14-foot shark off Lighthouse Beach in Port Macquarie, New South Wales. The incident unfolded on Friday morning, August 25, leaving Toby grappling with the relentless predator for approximately 30 seconds. Despite his valiant efforts, the shark inflicted severe injuries on his legs, resulting in a life-threatening situation.

According to multiple reports, Toby was not alone in the water, as he was surfing alongside six others during the terrifying attack. Witnesses describe the assault as a "fairly sustained and prolonged" one. Fellow surfers rushed to his aid, managing to pull him to shore, where they immediately began administering first aid before he was swiftly transported to the hospital. Toby's condition has improved after undergoing multiple surgeries, but he remains on a long road to recovery, as his family reports. Tiger Shark That Was Beaten to Death After Eating Russian Man Alive in Egypt's Red Sea To Be Mummified (Watch Videos).

Chris Lenihan, Toby's brother-in-law, conveyed the gravity of the injuries, noting that he would require numerous surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. The heroic efforts of bystanders, including an emergency doctor, were evident as they quickly assembled makeshift tourniquets to stem the bleeding. A teenage witness recounted Toby's frozen state of shock as his foot was tragically ripped off, leaving him bleeding profusely. Frozen Shark Washes Up on Cold Storage Beach in Massachusetts, US; View Terrifying Image of the Giant Creature's Carcass.

Authorities have seized Toby's split surfboard as evidence and have closed down Lighthouse Beach and nearby waters for at least 24 hours. The Australian Lifeguard Service has erected warning signs to deter beachgoers from entering the water. Drones will be employed to identify the species and size of the shark responsible for the attack, currently believed to be a large Great White.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2023 04:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).