A 61-year-old surfer in Hawaii displayed remarkable resilience after a shark attack near Waiehu Beach Park on Maui. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. local time at a surf spot known as Sand Piles. Witnesses described hearing a yell followed by a splash as the shark bit off a portion of the surfer's leg.
Despite the severe injury, the surfer managed to swim himself back toward shore, with the assistance of a bystander who jumped in to help. Emergency responders arrived promptly and provided critical medical attention to stop the bleeding from the surfer's leg, which was severed below the knee. The victim, who remained alert throughout the ordeal, was transported to a Maui hospital in critical condition.
Maui Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Giesea praised the quick actions of the Maui police in applying tourniquets to the man's leg, emphasizing the importance of such decisions in life-threatening situations. Giesea commended the surfer for his strength and determination in reaching shore and expressed gratitude to the good Samaritans who aided the victim.
Following the incident, Waiehu Beach Park was temporarily closed, and beachgoers were advised to avoid the waters in the area until further notice. Shark attacks are not uncommon in Maui County, with at least 75 unprovoked incidents recorded since 1828. Last year, eight people in Hawaii were attacked by sharks, one of which resulted in a fatality.
According to the International Shark Attack File, surfers and individuals participating in board sports accounted for 42% of reported shark attacks globally last year. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with ocean activities and the importance of remaining vigilant in shark-prone waters.
