Saturday, November 2, 2024

Surfer Suffers Severe Injury in Shark Attack in Maui

 

A 61-year-old man was seriously injured in a shark attack while surfing off Waiehu Beach Park in Maui on Friday morning, leading to the loss of his right leg just below the knee. Authorities reported that the man was bitten by the shark while in the water and did not see the creature approaching.

Emergency responders, including police officers who arrived at the scene, quickly applied tourniquets to control the severe bleeding before the man was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition. Despite the severity of his injuries, he remained alert during treatment on shore.

In response to the attack, officials closed Waiehu Beach Park and issued a warning for individuals to avoid the water in the vicinity. This advisory, covering a one-mile radius from the incident site, is expected to remain in place until at least noon on Saturday, with extensions possible should further shark sightings occur.

Maui's fire and ocean safety officials were actively patrolling the waters using rescue watercraft and drones, while state officials erected shark warning signs and cordoned off the area to ensure public safety.

As of now, authorities have not disclosed the species of shark involved in the incident. Shark attacks, although uncommon, often garner significant media attention despite being relatively rare occurrences worldwide. This incident follows the tragic death of prominent surfer Tamayo Perry, who was killed in a shark attack off Oahu's North Shore in June.

Experts note that shark populations have significantly declined in many regions due to human activities, including overfishing and habitat loss, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and conservation efforts.

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