HONOLULU (KHON2) — Ocean Safety officials have closed Hanalei Bay to swimming and other ocean activities due to an apparent shark bite on Sunday afternoon.
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The incident is said to have happened at approximately 4 p.m. in a spot known as “the bowl”, when a male resident who had been surfing was bit by a large shark, according to a preliminary report.
The type and size of the shark is unknown.
The surfer is said to have sustained non-life threatening injuries to his leg. He was transported in stable condition to Wilcox Medical Center, according to officials.
“Shark Sighted” and “No Swimming” signs have been posted by lifeguards along the bay to warn surfers and beachgoers to stay out of the water until further notice.
Officials are notifying the state Department of Land and Natural Resources of the incident, per standard protocol.
Lifeguards will reassess the water Monday afternoon, at least 24 hours after the incident, to determine if it is safe for swimming.
For up-to-date information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, please speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
