Shark bites 61-year-old Maui surfer, completely severing his leg below knee

A shark bit a Maui surfer Friday and severed his leg, authorities said.

The man, 61, was surfing off Waiehu Beach Park Friday morning when a shark bit him. Police officers who arrived to the scene first tried to control the bleeding with tourniquets.

His right leg was “completely severed just below the knee,” Maui County said in a news release.

“Kenji”, 61, was identified as the surfer whose leg was completely severed from a shark attack in Maui on Nov. 1, 2024. GoFundMe

The man was alert while being treated on shore and then taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition.

The man said he did not see the shark approach, authorities reported.

The incident prompted officials to close the beach park.

Officials warned people to stay out of the water in the area.

The public warning to stay out of the water for a mile in each direction of the incident will be in effect until at least noon Saturday.

The man was alert while being treated on shore and then taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition. GoFundMe

The warning will be extended if there is a shark sighting in the area.

Maui fire and ocean safety officials were patrolling the waters using rescue watercraft and a drone.

State officials provided shark warning signs and helped with cordoning off the area.

A surfer exits the water on Oahu’s North Shore near Haleiwa on March 31, 2020. AP

There were no details provided on what kind of shark was involved.

In June, well-known surfer Tamayo Perry was killed in a shark attack while surfing off Oahu’s North Shore.