UPDATE: Man Suffers 6-inch Wound in Ka’anapali Shark Attack

Shark sign, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

***Check back for updates, which will be posted as they become available.

(1:25 p.m. 4/2/13)

County officials released further details in a shark attack incident in Ka’anapali on this morning that resulted in the hospitalization of a California visitor.

The 58-year-old man, from Marina Del Rey “suffered two deep lacerations on the right thigh, above the knee,” according to ocean safety officials.

County officials released an update saying the victim described the shark’s head as “the size of a basketball.”

In a press release issued by the County this afternoon, County Communications Director Rod Antone said, “Surfers in the water said they saw a gray, four-foot long shark in the area of the attack. Lifeguards believe this to be a reef shark.”

The beach remains closed for a one mile radius from the incident until noon tomorrow.

(Update: 11:26 a.m. 4/2/13)

A stretch of beach in Ka’anapali will remain closed until noon tomorrow following a shark attack reported this morning, officials said.

The County of Maui issued an update saying Ocean Safety officers are patrolling the beach from Black Rock to Honokowai, and warning people to stay out of the water.

Crews from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are also reportedly posting signs for swimmers and beach goers to keep out of the water.

The action comes after a 58-year-old man suffered a 6-inch wound to his thigh after being bitten in waters fronting the Ka’anapali Shores this morning.

(Update: 10:14 a.m. 4/2/13)

County officials have confirmed that a 58-year-old man was bitten by a shark this morning in waters fronting Ka`anapali Shores Place.

The incident was reported at around 8:30 a.m., and resulted in the evacuation of surfers from the water, and the closure of the beach for a mile in each direction, according to a county press release.

Officials say the man suffered a six-inch bite on his thigh.

The individual was transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for treatment and was undergoing surgery at last report.

Maui County Ocean Safety officers are reportedly on scene monitoring the situation.

(Posted: 4/2/13)

County officials are looking into a possible shark attack after an individual sustained injuries this morning in waters near the Ka’anapali Shores.

County authorities confirmed they are investigating the incident which was reported at around 8:30 a.m. in the Ka’anapali area of West Maui.