WAIEHU, Hawaii (KHNL/Gray News) – First responders in Hawaii say a 61-year-old surfer’s leg was severed just below the knee when he was bitten by a shark.
Police say a 61-year-old surfer was critically injured when he was bitten by a shark shortly after 7 a.m. Friday in waters off Waiehu Beach Park on the island of Maui, KHNL reports.
Loved ones identified the surfer as “Kenji” on a GoFundMe set up to raise money to help with his recovery. He is a regular at a surf spot known as “Sandpiles,” where the incident happened, his friends said.
Sources say Kenji was sitting on his surfboard when the shark swam up and bit his leg. Witnesses who heard the victim’s screams say other surfers helped him swim back to shore.
“I heard this yell, and I looked. All of a sudden, I just seen him splash, and I don’t know what was happening,” witness David Basques said. “He swam himself back maybe more than half the way, and then, I seen somebody jump in. They went to bring him inside.”
Police say officers applied two tourniquets to Kenji’s leg before medics and fire personnel arrived. First responders confirmed his leg was completely severed just below the knee.
“I would like to commend the patient for his strength and wherewithal, getting himself to shore. I mean, that’s extraordinary. Whatever good Samaritans offered assistance, I’d like to commend them as well,” said Maui Fire Department Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea.
The victim remains hospitalized at Maui Memorial Medical Center.
According to GoFundMe, Kenji said in the intensive care unit immediately out of surgery, “I still love the ocean!”
Officials have closed off the beach park and lifeguards are patrolling the waters. Beachgoers are asked to stay out of the water from Paukukalo to Waihee until further notice.
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