Finals day at the World Surf League’s New Zealand Pro has resumed following a four-hour holding period after the league’s in-water photographer Ed Sloane was injured in a wildlife encounter.

Sloane, of Australia, was photographing the semi-final between Brazilians Yago Dora and Italo Ferreira on the inside of the break at Raglan’s Manu Bay, and appeared to get the attention of the two surfers in the water midway through the heat.

While the incident was not visible on the broadcast, Dora and Ferreira kept glancing down the break – away from where the waves were breaking – in the moments before the heat was put on hold with about 20 minutes left on the clock.

Prior to the restart just after 1pm, WSL shared a statement from Sloane who confirmed he was okay.

“Thank you to everyone for all the well wishes after what’s happened. I am doing okay, I’ve had bites on my left foot and am getting medical attention,” Sloane said.

“Massive thank you to our on-water patrol for the quick response, our medical team, and all the support from our teams for the immediate assistance I received.

“I love this place and can’t wait to watch an epic finals day. Cheering for everyone for a great finish to the event.”

Soon after the incident, WSL VP of tours and competition Renato Hickel confirmed Sloane had been transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

“We activate the code red when it’s a sea life attack on a surfer or a photographer. This time it was our beloved water photographer and thank God he’s in good spirits. He’s well considering what happened,” Hickel said on the WSL broadcast.

Hickel said Sloane had “small puncture wounds” but was not certain what animal the encounter was with. Sloane was transported to the hospital for treatment.

“At this stage we’re 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.

“Nevertheless, very scary. Italo and Yago were very shaken. They saw the splash and the incident, so another reason to put the event on hold.

In a statement, WSL said the photographer was in a stable condition.

“Today, at 8.26am, a member of our photography team suffered a wildlife injury in the water while photographing the men’s semi-finals. Event medical teams responded immediately, and the individual is in stable condition and received on-site medical attention before being transported to the hospital.

“Their safety, and the safety of our staff and competitors, are our priority, and we will provide updates as further information becomes available.”

The action resumed just after 1pm.

The hold deflated what was shaping up to be a cracking morning for finals day.

The day started with the first men’s semi-final, where Australian Morgan Cibilic continued to show his class on the walls of Manu Bay against American Griffin Colapinto.

Cibilic, who eliminated Kiwi Billy Stairmand in the opening round of the competition, posted a pair of 7.67 rides for a formidable 15.34 heat total.

In response, Colapinto couldn’t quite find the same success on a tricky morning, finishing up with a 12.20 heat total.

The second heat of the day between Dora and Ferreira had gotten off to a slow start, with the surfers only counting one wave each after about 15 minutes of the 35-minute heat.

The winner will meet Cibilic in the final this afternoon, which follows what should be a spectacular final between in-form surfers Carissa Moore and Sawyer Lindblad.

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.