WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — A shark attack occurred on Friday morning, resulting in severe injuries to a 61-year-old surfer off the coast of Waiehu Beach Park in Maui. According to authorities, the man was bitten by the shark, which led to his leg being entirely severed just below the knee.
When police officers arrived at the scene, their immediate priority was to manage the man’s severe bleeding. They applied tourniquets to help control the hemorrhage. Despite the gruesome injury, the man remained alert while receiving treatment on the beach.
Following his initial care at the beach, he was quickly transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he was reported to be in critical condition. Officials noted that the surfer did not see the shark prior to the attack, which raised concerns about water safety.
In response to the incident, local authorities closed the beach park and issued a warning for people to stay out of the water in the vicinity. This advisory extends for a mile in each direction from the attack site and will remain in effect until at least noon on Saturday. If any shark is sighted in the area, the warning will be extended further.
Maui fire and ocean safety officials have taken proactive measures by patrolling the waters with rescue watercraft and drones to ensure public safety. State officials have also put up shark warning signs and assisted in cordoning off the affected area to prevent further incidents.
As of now, there are no details regarding the species of shark involved in the attack. This incident follows the tragic incident in June, when renowned surfer Tamayo Perry lost his life due to a shark attack while surfing off the North Shore of Oahu.
