Man Bit by Shark in North Kohala Hospitalized

A 27-year-old Kapaʻau man was taken to the hospital in serious condition after sustaining injuries to his left leg during a shark encounter off Hawaiʻi Island on Sunday afternoon, state officials said.

Officials with the Hawaiʻi Fire Department say the man suffered injuries to his left thigh and calf, and was transported to the hospital in serious condition.

State officials say the man was spearfishing about 60-yards off of ʻUpolu Point in North Kohala when he reportedly was bitten by a 13-foot long tiger shark.

Authorities say he was able to swim to shore and alert his fishing companion, who then called 911.

An ambulance took him to Kamehameha Park, and he was then flown by a Hawaiʻi Fire Department helicopter to the hospital and taken into surgery, according to reports filed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

No beaches are closed, since the incident occurred in an isolated and remote area.

DLNR officials say water conditions were murky due to heavy rain in the area. Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources advise people to avoid entering the ocean during brown water conditions.