Shark Sighting Forces Closure of DT Fleming

DT Fleming, photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

(UPDATE: 5 p.m. 12/28/13)

At approximately 2:30 p.m., a shark was sighted again at DT Fleming Beach in West Maui, prompting the continued closure of the beach until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, when lifeguards were scheduled to be off duty.

Ocean Safety officials have stated that their signs will remain on the beach, warning beach-goers that the beach is closed, but no personnel will be on-scene overnight.

The beach conditions will be re-evaluated at the start of Sunday’s shift. A sighting was also reported at around 9 a.m., prompting the initial closure, and again at around 11:15 a.m. on Saturday.

Lifeguard personnel at DT Fleming in West Maui closed the beach following the sighting of a four-foot hammerhead shark swimming near shore at around 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Ocean Safety officials say the shark was spotted swimming about 5 to 10 yards off shore.

The beach was reopened after two hours in accordance with shark sighting protocol, but was closed again after a second sighting at around 11:15 a.m., said Ocean Safety Acting Westside Supervisor Duane Pagan.

Lifeguard officials believe the shark most likely was drawn close to the shore by run-off from the stream at DT Fleming.

Signs have since been posted and lifeguards are actively warning users to stay out of the water because of the potential danger.

The beach will remain closed and the status of the closure will be evaluated every two hours, officials said.