Police Respond to Shark Bite Incident in Ka‘ū
Upon arrival, officers learned that a 24-year-old Holualoa man had been diving with two companions when they observed a blacktip reef shark entangled in rope and fishing gear approximately 30 to 40 yards from shore. As the group attempted to free the shark, the animal began thrashing and bit the man on the inner and outer areas of his left thigh.
Hawai‘i Fire Department medics treated the victim at the scene. He was reported to be in stable condition and was transported by helicopter to Kona Community Hospital for further treatment.
The Hawai‘i Police Department reminds the public not to attempt to free or handle entangled marine animals. Learn about state and federal marine wildlife response in Hawaiʻi at the NOAA website: What You Can Do to Help Marine Life in Distress | NOAA Fisheries.
- Department:
- Hawaiʻi Police Department
- Division:
- Ka‘ū Patrol
- Officer:
- Acting Captain Pernell Hanoa
- Phone:
- (808) 939-2520
- Report Number:
- 25-111183
