Marine mammal bite at Dunedin beach sends person to hospital

A person has been taken to the hospital following an incident at a beach in Dunedin on Friday afternoon.

According to a report by the NZ Herald, emergency services responded to reports of an injury at Brighton Beach, where it is believed the individual may have been attacked while in the water. While the exact cause has not been officially confirmed, initial information suggests the person may have been bitten by a seal or sea lion.

St John said, While it hasn’t been confirmed, there are reports the person was bitten by a seal or sea lion while in the water, as reported by the NZ Herald. 

According to St John, emergency crews were dispatched promptly. St John confirmed it sent one ambulance and a rapid response unit to Brighton Beach at 1.23 pm, as quoted by the NZ Herald.

The injured person was transported to Dunedin Hospital in a moderate condition.

According to the NZ Herald, additional support was provided at the scene, with Fire and Emergency New Zealand assisting in the response. Police did not provide further details and directed all inquiries to St John.