Trending Topics

Shark bites Hawaii surfer, severing leg below the knee

Police officers at Waiehu Beach Park used a tourniquet to stop the bleeding

Associated Press

WAILUKU, Hawaii — A shark bit a Maui surfer Friday and severed his leg, authorities said.

The man, 61, was surfing off Waiehu Beach Park Friday morning when a shark bit him. Police officers who arrived to the scene first tried to control the bleeding with tourniquets. His right leg was “completely severed just below the knee,” Maui County said in a news release.


Our cohosts discuss bleeding control, early tourniquet use and transportation to a trauma center

The man was alert while being treated on shore and then taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition.

The man said he did not see the shark approach, authorities reported.

The incident prompted officials to close the beach park. Officials warned people to stay out of the water in the area. The public warning to stay out of the water for a mile in each direction of the incident will be in effect until at least noon Saturday. The warning will be extended if there is a shark sighting in the area.

Maui fire and ocean safety officials were patrolling the waters using rescue watercraft and a drone. State officials provided shark warning signs and helped with cordoning off the area.

There were no details provided on what kind of shark was involved.

In June, well-known surfer Tamayo Perry was killed in a shark attack while surfing off Oahu’s North Shore.


Stock up on these bleeding control products and be ready to respond to emergency trauma both on and off duty
Trending
EMT Ashley Diaz is being recognized for her resilience and dedication as she continues to save lives in a new role with FDNY EMS
Cleveland is exploring the use of drones to quickly assess scenes, aiming to boost safety for firefighters, EMTs and paramedics by providing live video before crews arrive
Learn the facts about dry drowning, the symptoms, and how to keep your child safe
Less than 18 months into a $30M contract, Sonoma County Fire District is pushing for a major ambulance rate increase, citing rising labor costs and payer mix challenge