Surfer's Leg Bitten by Shark in Maui

Early on Friday morning, a 61-year-old surfer got the scare of his life at Waiehu Beach Park in Maui. As he was surfing at a spot known as "Sand Piles, " a shark bit off part of his leg just below the knee. The incident happened around 7:05 a. m. , and promptly, police and medical personnel rushed to the scene. The man was in critical condition, but thanks to the quick-thinking first responders, two tourniquets were applied to stop the bleeding. He was then rushed to the hospital. Despite the serious injury, the man remained alert and was praised for his strength in making it to shore.The beach and park were immediately closed, with shark warning signs posted. Such closures typically cover a mile in each direction after a shark attack. It's important to note that shark attacks are quite rare. In 2022, there were 69 unprovoked bites and 22 provoked bites worldwide, with eight happening in Hawaii. Surfers and board sport enthusiasts make up a significant portion of shark bite victims, accounting for 42% of all cases. This event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that come with ocean activities and the importance of water safety.