Hawaii Island police said they’re investigating a possible shark attack that injured a 20-year-old man visiting the island from Romania.
The man was swimming about 15 to 20 feet offshore at Anaeho’omalu Bay in Waikoloa at the time, the Hawaii Police Department said.
Around 5:30 p.m. Monday, he felt pain on his right foot and saw lacerations “bleeding profusely” on the top and bottom of his foot, police said.
The man was hospitalized in non-life-threatening condition with injuries medical personnel described as consistent with a shark bite, police said.
The victim and two people near him in the water didn’t spot a shark, police added.
Hawaii Island police are investigating a possible shark attack at Anaeho‘omalu Bay on June 24, 2024.
Honolulu Emergency Services Department
The potential attack comes days after a well-known surfer and lifeguard was killed by a shark near the North Shore of Oahu, emergency officials said.
Tamayo Perry, 49, had been a lifeguard with Honolulu Ocean Safety since 2016. He was a local surf coach and competed for years in the Pipeline Master Trials, according to his official bio on his coaching site. Perry appeared in the 2002 movie “Blue Crush,” along with episodes of “Hawaii Five-O” and “The Bridge,” according to IMDb.
“The world knew Tamayo as a surfer and an actor, but to those who knew him best, he was a man of deep faith … now taken too soon,” his wife, Emilia Perry, told ABC News in an exclusive interview. “I feel so upset and devastated. But I also have a weird calmness in my heart knowing that he’s in a better place.”
Click here for what to know about staying safe from sharks.
A young adult has sustained injuries in a suspected shark encounter off the coast of Hawaii, sparking concerns among beachgoers and local authorities. The incident occurred on a popular beach in Hawaii, where the victim was swimming in the ocean when they reportedly felt a sharp pain on their leg.
According to witnesses, the victim quickly made their way back to shore, where they were assisted by bystanders who called for emergency services. The victim was then rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries, which are said to be non-life-threatening.
Authorities have since issued a warning to beachgoers in the area, advising them to exercise caution and be aware of the potential presence of sharks in the waters. While shark encounters are rare, they can happen, especially in areas where sharks are known to frequent.
Shark attacks are often a result of mistaken identity, with sharks mistaking humans for their natural prey. It is important for swimmers and surfers to be mindful of their surroundings and avoid swimming alone or in areas where sharks are known to be present.
In the event of a shark encounter, experts recommend remaining calm and slowly backing away from the shark without making sudden movements. It is also advised to avoid splashing or thrashing in the water, as this can attract sharks.
Local authorities are currently investigating the incident and working to determine the species of shark involved. In the meantime, beachgoers are urged to stay informed and follow any safety guidelines provided by officials.
While shark encounters can be frightening, it is important to remember that these incidents are rare and that sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health of ocean ecosystems. By taking precautions and being aware of their surroundings, beachgoers can reduce the risk of shark encounters and enjoy their time in the water safely.
