A shark bit a Maui surfer Friday morning, amputating his leg, authorities said.
The 61-year-old man was bitten by a shark Friday morning while surfing at a surf break known as Sand Piles at Waiehu Beach Park, Maui County said in a news release. .
The police who arrived first at the scene tried to control the bleeding using a tourniquet. His leg was “completely amputated just below the knee,” officials said.
Witnesses told CBS affiliate Hawaii News Now that other surfers helped the man swim back to shore.
“I heard this noise and looked over and all of a sudden I saw him splashing water,” eyewitness David Basques told Hawaii News Now. “I don’t know what happened,” he said. “…He swam back more than halfway and saw someone jump in and bring him back inside.”
The man regained consciousness while receiving treatment on the beach and was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition.
“I want to commend the patient for his strength and will,” Maui Fire Department Deputy Chief Jeff Giesea told reporters, according to KGMB. “I mean, it’s really amazing. Whatever help the Good Samaritans gave me, I’d like to give them credit.”
The incident led officials to close the beach park. Officials warned people to stay out of the water in the area. A general warning to stay out of the water one mile in each direction in the direction of the incident will be in effect until at least noon Saturday. The warning will be extended if a shark is sighted in the area.
Maui fire and marine safety officials were patrolling the waters using rescue vessels and drones. State officials provided shark warning signs and helped cordon off the area.
No details were provided about what type of shark was involved.
In June, famous surfer Tamayo Perry was murdered I was attacked by a shark while surfing on Oahu’s North Shore.
