A 61-year-old surfer in Hawaii had a terrifying experience when a shark attacked him near Waiehu Beach Park on Maui. Witnesses and officials reported that the shark bit off a portion of the surfer’s leg, but he managed to swim towards shore after the incident.
The shark attack took place at around 7 a.m. local time at a surf spot known as Sand Piles. One witness, David Basques, described hearing a yell and then seeing a splash in the water. He saw the surfer swimming back towards the shore before someone jumped in to help bring him the rest of the way.
Emergency personnel arrived quickly on the scene and worked to stop the bleeding from the surfer’s leg, which was severed below the knee. Despite the severity of his injuries, the man remained alert and was taken to a Maui hospital in critical condition. As of Saturday, he was still in serious condition at Maui Memorial Medical Center.
Maui Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Giesea praised the quick actions of the Maui police in applying tourniquets to the surfer’s leg, stating that such decisions can often make the difference between life and death. He also commended the surfer for his strength and determination in getting himself to shore, calling it extraordinary.
Following the incident, the entrance to Waiehu Beach Park was closed, and beachgoers were cautioned to avoid the waters in the area until further notice. Maui County has a history of shark attacks, with at least 75 recorded since 1828. Last year, eight people in Hawaii were attacked by sharks, one of them fatally.
According to the International Shark Attack File, surfers and individuals participating in board sports accounted for 42% of reported shark attacks globally last year. This highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and taking necessary precautions when engaging in water activities in areas known to have shark populations.
In light of this recent incident, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can exist in the ocean and the importance of being prepared and informed while enjoying water sports. Our thoughts are with the surfer as he continues to recover from this traumatic experience. Stay safe and informed by subscribing to our newsletter for the latest news delivered directly to your inbox.
