Surfer Bitten By Shark Near Kahana Bay
Man Improves To Stable Condition After Hospitalized
POSTED: 3:27 am HST September 10, 2008
UPDATED: 11:29 am HST September 10, 2008
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HONOLULU -- A 40-year-old surfer improved to stable condition at Queen's Medical Center after a shark bit him on the leg on Tuesday. 
Video: Watch The StoryAuthorities said the incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday near Kahana Bay in Ka'a'awa.Emergency officials said the man was surfing when he was bitten about 300 yards out at a spot called the Crouching Lion.Blood from the man's shark bite wounds stained a downed tree trunk where he pulled himself to safety just a few feet from his car.Officials said another surfer accompanied the man to shore."He actually was a big help. He's the one that controlled the bleeding until firefighters and paramedics got here," said EMS spokesman Brian Cheplic.Sources told KITV that the man suffered two shark bites; one took out 90 percent of his outer right thigh. The man's right foot was also severely injured, KITV reported.Surfers in the area said they've seen sharks in the waters before, but are surprised about the attack."It's usually clear out here, so you feel a little safer. In the bay over there, it gets real brown so it gets kind of spooky," said surfer David Woodworth.Late in the afternoon, the Honolulu Fire Department's Air One unit circled the area searching for the shark, but found nothing.The chopper and Ocean Safety officials on jet skis searched for stray surfers and swimmers, warning them of the attack and urging them to leave the area."Some people still want to go out there and surf. But we're asking them not to. We're asking for the public's cooperation," said Cheplic.Surfers are being asked to stay away from the area for at least 24 hours.Emergency officials said the State Land Department will close Kahana Bay State Park to swimmers and will reassess the situation on Wednesday.Ocean Safety officials said they will be posting shark sighting signs along the shoreline, between Crouching Lion and Swanzy beach. The signs will remain posted for 24 hours.
Video: Watch The StoryAuthorities said the incident occurred at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday near Kahana Bay in Ka'a'awa.Emergency officials said the man was surfing when he was bitten about 300 yards out at a spot called the Crouching Lion.Blood from the man's shark bite wounds stained a downed tree trunk where he pulled himself to safety just a few feet from his car.Officials said another surfer accompanied the man to shore."He actually was a big help. He's the one that controlled the bleeding until firefighters and paramedics got here," said EMS spokesman Brian Cheplic.Sources told KITV that the man suffered two shark bites; one took out 90 percent of his outer right thigh. The man's right foot was also severely injured, KITV reported.Surfers in the area said they've seen sharks in the waters before, but are surprised about the attack."It's usually clear out here, so you feel a little safer. In the bay over there, it gets real brown so it gets kind of spooky," said surfer David Woodworth.Late in the afternoon, the Honolulu Fire Department's Air One unit circled the area searching for the shark, but found nothing.The chopper and Ocean Safety officials on jet skis searched for stray surfers and swimmers, warning them of the attack and urging them to leave the area."Some people still want to go out there and surf. But we're asking them not to. We're asking for the public's cooperation," said Cheplic.Surfers are being asked to stay away from the area for at least 24 hours.Emergency officials said the State Land Department will close Kahana Bay State Park to swimmers and will reassess the situation on Wednesday.Ocean Safety officials said they will be posting shark sighting signs along the shoreline, between Crouching Lion and Swanzy beach. The signs will remain posted for 24 hours. Copyright 2009 by KITV.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
