Maui, Hawaii, Nov 04, (V7N) — A local surfer faced a life-threatening situation on Friday when he was bitten by a shark at Waiehu Beach Park, a popular surfing destination known as “Sand Piles.” The 61-year-old man, identified as Kenji through a GoFundMe campaign, suffered severe injuries, resulting in the loss of his right leg.
 
First responders rushed to the scene after fellow surfers helped bring Kenji to shore. Witness David Basques recounted the harrowing moment, saying, “I heard a yell and turned to see him splashing in the water. He managed to swim part of the way back before others jumped in to assist.”
 
Following the attack, Kenji was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he has since been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit and is now recovering.
 
In 2023, the University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File reported a total of 69 unprovoked shark bites globally, a slight increase from the five-year average. The U.S. accounted for 36 of these incidents, highlighting a growing concern among beachgoers and surfers alike. Tragically, two fatalities were reported in the U.S. this year—one in California and one in Hawaii—while Australia saw four deaths due to shark attacks.
 
The global tally of shark bite incidents also included reports from countries such as Costa Rica, Brazil, and South Africa, underscoring the need for heightened awareness in coastal waters.
 
As the surfing community rallies to support Kenji during his recovery, authorities remind all ocean enthusiasts to remain vigilant while enjoying the waves.
 
News source: Hawaii News Now

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