Surfer, 30, killed by shark after 'encounter' in choppy sea off Hawaii coast

31 December 2023 , 22:24

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Shark warning signs were placed on beaches one mile on either side of the bay (Image: countyofmaui/Instagram)

A 30-year-old surfer in Hawaii has died after being injured in a shark encounter off Maui's northern shore, according to the Maui Police Department.

Authorities stopped short of calling the event an attack and didn't describe the man's injuries. Ocean Safety Officers grabbed and transported the man by jet ski to shore, where responders performed life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived and took the victim to a hospital for further treatment, police said in a news release.

The man's identity was not immediately released pending the notification of extended family and friends. Authorities did say the man was from Haiku, a small community on Maui's north side. There were no initial signs of foul play. The investigation is ongoing and an autopsy is scheduled, according to the police department.

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Ocean Safety Officers grabbed and transported the man by jet ski to shore (Getty Images)

The man was injured on Paia Bay, near Haiku, and shark warning signs were placed on beaches one mile on either side of the bay, according to Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). An update by the authority read: "A 30-year-old Haiku man was taken to the hospital today after encountering a shark at Paia Bay."

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The Hawaii DLNR added: "Unfortunately the man passed away. He was surfing and water conditions were reported as ‘mixed’ due to high surf conditions. Following standard protocols, shark warning signs are up one mile on either side of the incident site from Tavares Bay to Baby Beach."

The man was injured on Paia Bay, near Haiku (Getty Images)

The DLNR provides guidelines for minimizing the risk of shark encounters during water activities.

1. Swim, surf, or dive with other people, and don’t move too far away from assistance.
2. Stay out of the water at dawn, dusk, and night, when some species of sharks may move inshore to feed. But be aware that tiger sharks are known to bite people at all times of the day. (See graphic below.)
3. Do not enter the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding in any way. Sharks can detect blood and body fluids in extremely small concentrations.
4. Avoid murky waters, harbour entrances, and areas near stream mouths (especially after heavy rains), channels, or steep dropoffs. These types of waters are known to be frequented by sharks.
5. Do not wear high-contrast clothing or shiny jewellery. Sharks see contrast very well.
6. Refrain from excessive splashing; keep pets, which swim erratically, out of the water. Sharks are known to be attracted to such activity.
7. Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and leave the water quickly and calmly if one is sighted. Do not provoke or harass a shark, even a small one.
8. If fish or turtles start to behave erratically, leave the water. Be alert to the presence of dolphins, as they are prey for some large sharks.
9. Remove speared fish from the water or tow them a safe distance behind you. Do not swim near people fishing or spearfishing. Stay away from dead animals in the water.
10. Swim or surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards, and follow their advice.

Vassia Barba