Shark bites off leg of 61-year-old surfer
His leg was ‘completely severed just below the knee’, Maui County said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A shark bit a Maui surfer on Friday – severing his leg below the knee, authorities have said.
The man, 61, was surfing off Waiehu Beach Park on Friday morning when the shark attacked. Police officers who arrived at the scene first tried to control the bleeding with tourniquets. His leg was “completely severed just below the knee,” Maui County said in a news release.
The man was alert while being treated on shore and then taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition.
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.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.