Posted on: Sunday, October 10, 2004
Shark attacks diver off Moloka'i
| • | How to help prevent shark attacks |
Advertiser staff and news services
A 34-year-old O'ahu man was bitten by what was described as a large shark yesterday off Moloka'i's southeast shore, according to the Maui County police and fire departments.
A fire official said he was attacked around 12:40 p.m. near a wall about 200 yards from the beach access.
"He was diving alone and he had got bitten by a shark," Maui County Assistant Fire Chief Frank Tam said. "He was screaming. Some residents and bystanders came to his aid, saw that he had an injury and called 911.
A kayaker helped bring him to shore, police said.
"He was bitten front to back in his shoulder area," Tom said
Police said he was also injured in the face.
Authorities said the man, whose name wasn't immediately released, was met at the shore by firefighters and medics. He was flown by helicopter to Maui Memorial Hospital, and was listed in critical condition.
He told authorities he had been attacked by a "big shark," police said.
There have been two serious shark attacks in Hawai'i waters during the past year:
• On April 7, surfer Willis McInnis, 57, was killed by a shark in murky water off Kahana, Maui.
• Bethany Hamilton, then 13, lost her left arm in a shark attack Oct. 31, 2003, in clear water off Ha'ena, Kaua'i.
Police said the victim was diving with a friend in waters outside the Kupeke fish pond. The friend had come into shore when the attack occurred, police said.
• • •
| How to help prevent shark attacks
The Shark Task Force has issued these 10 tips to reduce the risk of shark attack. 1. Swim, surf or dive with other people, and don't move too far away from assistance. 2. Stay out of the water at dawn, dusk and night, when some species of sharks may move in-shore to feed. 3. Do not enter the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding in any way. Sharks can detect blood and body fluids in extremely small concentrations. 4. Avoid murky waters, harbor entrances, and areas near stream mouths (especially after heavy rain), channels, or steep dropoffs. Sharks frequent these types of water. 5. Do not wear high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry. Sharks see contrast very well. 6. Refrain from excessive splashing; keep pets, which swim erratically, out of the water. Sharks are attracted to such activity. 7. Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and leave the water quickly and calmly if one is sighted. Do not provoke or harass a shark, even a small one. 8. If fish or turtles start to behave erratically, leave the water. Watch for dolphins, as they are prey for some large sharks. 9. Remove speared fish from the water or tow them a safe distance behind you. Do not swim near people fishing or spearfishing. Stay away from dead animals in the water. 10. Swim or surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards, and follow their advice. |
