PHOTOS: Shoreline Closed Following Ulua Beach Shark Attack

Shark signage posted at Ulua Beach in Wailea, 7/31/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H26KNUfcRXU /] By Wendy Osher

Officials have closed a portion of beach in South Maui due to a reported shark attack at Ulua Beach in Wailea on Wednesday morning, July 31, 2013, said Randy Awo, DLNR Enforcement Chief for the Division of Conservation Resources.

Typically a closure extends for a 1 mile radius of an attack. Authorities say they have closed the beaches from Polo Beach south of the incident to the Mana Kai Resort on the north end.

Authorities say the victim was approximately 30-feet seaward, north of the rocky point at Ulua Beach Park in about 10 feet of water when the incident occurred.

According to Awo, the incident was reported to authorities at around 9 or 9:15 a.m., somewhere in waters fronting Ulua Beach.  This morning DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officials later narrowed the time to between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m.

At time of call, he said the condition of the victim was not known.  County Communications Director Rod Antone later stated that the victim was bitten in the upper torso.

Awo confirmed that the victim was a female, and had since been transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for treatment.  He said an officer was also dispatched to the hospital to respond.

Authorities say the female is undergoing surgery at this time.  Her condition was not released.

DOCARE officers remain in the area to facilitate and maintain the closure.

Laura Stevens, an Education and Outreach Coordinator wih DLNR said department officers will remain on scene until sunset this evening and return at first light tomorrow to reassess the situation.

This was the second shark attack reported in Hawaiʻi waters this week. A separate shark bite incident was reported near White Plains Beach on Oʻahu on Monday, July 29. The Navy re-opened White Plains and Nimitz Beach at 2 p.m. on Tuesday following the closure.

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

Ulua Beach in Wailea, 7/31/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Ulua Beach in Wailea, 7/31/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.

DLNR Officers patroling Ulua Beach in Wailea, 7/31/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Shark signage posted at Ulua Beach in Wailea, 7/31/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Ulua Beach in Wailea, 7/31/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Ulua Beach in Wailea, 7/31/13. Photo by Wendy Osher.