Posted on: Saturday, October 16, 2004

Doctors operate on shark victim

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Staff Writer

Davy Sanada, who was attacked by a shark last Saturday, is in fair condition as he recuperates from surgery performed late Thursday.

Sanada, 34 of Kane'ohe, was attacked by a large shark while spearfishing next to Kupeke Fishpond on Moloka'i. He was evacuated to Maui Memorial Medical Center where he underwent initial surgery, according to The Queen's Medical Center.

On Thursday orthopedic surgeon Dr. Morris Mitsunaga and plastic surgeon Dr. Vincent Nip worked on Sanada's left chest, shoulder and back region, the hospital said.

Damaged muscle was removed. His wounds were cleaned and closed, then skin grafting was performed, the medical center said.

Sanada, a pipefitter at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Shop 56, was fishing alone in murky water when the shark attacked, removing a large portion from his shoulder and slicing a deep cut into his cheek, according to his friend Kevin Seitz.

Sanada and 22 others were camping out on private land at the home of a friend for the long weekend, fishing and crabbing.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at 234-5266 or at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.