PHOTOS: 12-14 Foot Shark Bites Board of Surfer in Māʻalaea, No Injuries
12-14 foot shark bites board at Māʻalaea. Photo courtesy DLNR Enforcement.
By Wendy Osher
Crews from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are working to clear a section of beach in South Maui after a confirmed shark bite incident, in which a shark bit the board of a surfer, with no injuries were reported.
“It was confirmed a 12 to 14 foot shark did bite a surfer’s board. DLNR will be clearing the surrounding water,” said Brianne Savage, Interim Director of the County of Maui Parks and Recreation department.
The incident was reported in the south Maui area of Māʻalaea at around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014.
Dan Dennison with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources tells Maui Now that the surfer had to shove the board into the shark to fend off the attack.
According to Dennison, the water is “very dirty” and the Department’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement launched two jet skis to help life guards warn people to stay out of the water.
There is currently a flash flood watch and a high surf advisory in effect for the south facing shores of Maui County waters through 6 p.m. tonight with waves expected to be in the 10 to 14 foot range. Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the large swell is one of the impacts as Hurricane Ana passes south of the state.
Maui Police say beaches are closed between McGregor’s Point and Kealia Beach Pond due to a shark sighting. Affected beaches will be remain closed until at least 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19. DLNR will reassess the beaches during that time.
The Dept. of Parks and Recreation today announced that all County of Maui parks, recreational facilities and campgrounds are scheduled to reopen tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014.
Parks facilities were closed due to the unpredictability of weather conditions related to Tropical Cyclone Ana, and will remain closed for the remainder of today, said Maui County Communication Specialist Lois Whitney.
12-14 foot shark bites board at Māʻalaea. Photo courtesy DLNR Enforcement.
Surfers being called out of the water following a shark bit the board of a surfer in Māʻalaea (south Maui) at around 11:30 a.m. 10/18/14. No injuries reported. Photo by Jack Dugan.
Surfers being called out of the water following a shark bit the board of a surfer in Māʻalaea (south Maui) at around 11:30 a.m. 10/18/14. No injuries reported. Photo by Jack Dugan.
Surfers being called out of the water following a shark bit the board of a surfer in Māʻalaea (south Maui) at around 11:30 a.m. 10/18/14. No injuries reported. Photo by Jack Dugan.
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