© 2024 Hawaiʻi Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
News and voices from Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Lana‘i, Moloka‘i and Kaua‘i.

Man Injured In Apparent Shark Bite Off Hawai?i Island

Ed Dunens
/
Flickr / CC By 2.0

State officials say a 75-year-old man sustained an apparent shark bite on his leg while paddling an outrigger canoe in an isolated area off Hawai?i's Big Island.

The Hawai?i Department of Land and Natural Resources released a statement Tuesday saying the man reported an unidentified species of shark bit his canoe and knocked him into the water. He says he fended off the shark with his paddle before it bit his leg. He estimates the shark was about 12 feet (3.6 meters) long.

The man was paddling with three friends who helped him to shore and brought him to a hospital.

The fire department flew a helicopter over the area but did not see the shark.

The area is remote and not frequented by tourists. No warning signs were posted.

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers.
Related Stories