Surfer's leg bitten by shark near Maui beach, authorities report.

In Hawaii, a 61-year-old surfer was attacked by a shark and was able to swim to shore despite losing a portion of his leg.

November 3rd 2024.

Surfer's leg bitten by shark near Maui beach, authorities report.
On a peaceful morning in Hawaii, a 61-year-old surfer was enjoying the waves when suddenly, a shark attacked him, causing serious injuries. Witnesses and authorities were shocked by the incident, which occurred near Waiehu Beach Park. The surfer, known as Kenji in the local community, showed immense courage and determination as he managed to swim towards the shore despite having a portion of his leg bitten off by the shark.

One witness, David Basques, described the chaos that ensued after the attack, saying that he heard a yell and saw a splash in the water. He then saw the injured surfer struggling to make his way back to shore, with only half of the distance left to cover. Luckily, someone jumped in to help bring him to safety. Emergency personnel arrived promptly and worked tirelessly to stop the bleeding from his severed leg, which was below the knee.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Kenji remained alert and was treated onshore before being taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. As of Saturday, he was still in serious condition, according to a spokesperson from the Maui Memorial Medical Center. Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Giesea commended the quick actions of the Maui police, who applied tourniquets to the surfer's leg. He emphasized the importance of making such decisions in a timely manner, as it can often be the difference between life and death.

Giesea also praised Kenji for his strength and resilience in getting himself to shore, stating that it was an extraordinary feat. He also expressed gratitude towards the good Samaritans who assisted in bringing the victim to safety. As a precaution, the entrance to Waiehu Beach Park was closed, and beachgoers were advised to avoid the waters in the area until further notice.

Despite the traumatic experience, Kenji's love for the ocean remained unshaken. In fact, even after undergoing surgery and being in the ICU, he exclaimed, "I still love the ocean!" according to his GoFundMe page. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of shark attacks, with Maui County having recorded 75 unprovoked attacks since 1828. Last year alone, eight people in Hawaii were attacked by sharks, one of whom tragically lost their life.

According to the International Shark Attack File, surfers and people participating in board sports accounted for 42% of reported shark attacks globally last year. While these statistics may be alarming, they also highlight the importance of being cautious and taking necessary precautions while enjoying the ocean. The community is coming together to support Kenji and his family during this difficult time, proving that even in the face of danger, humanity prevails.

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