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Johnston Atoll Worker Survives Shark Attack

Victim Flown To Honolulu For Treatment

POSTED: 2:34 pm HST June 23, 2003
UPDATED: 9:26 am HST June 24, 2003

The Coast Guard said a Johnston Atoll employee attacked by a shark was in stable condition Monday after being flown to Hawaii for treatment.

The Coast Guard said George Fahey, 51, was swimming when he was bitten on the left leg by a shark Sunday afternoon. Fahey was about 50 yards from shore, according to officials.

Several people helped him out of the water. A doctor, who was swimming with the victim, helped stabilize the patient.

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A Coast Guard C-130 crew flew the patient to Honolulu for further medical treatment. He arrived in Honolulu at about 8 p.m. Sunday and was taken to Queen's Medical Center.

Officials have closed Johnston Atoll to swimming.

Johnston Atoll is about 825 miles southwest of Hawaii. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department is investigating the case.

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