Shark Attack in Maui: Surfer Dies After Encounter with Shark

What Happened?

A 39-year-old surfer reportedly died after a shark encounter in Paia Bay, Maui, on December 31, 2023. He was surfing around 11:10 a.m. local time, when he encountered the shark and sustained traumatic injuries.

He was reportedly transported to shore by ocean safety officers, but later pronounced dead at the hospital. The type of shark involved is not yet confirmed, but it could be a tiger shark, which are known to inhabit the waters around Maui.

How Often Do Shark Attacks Occur?

This is the first fatal shark attack in Hawaii since 2015, when a woman was killed while snorkeling in Ahihi Bay, Maui.

Shark attacks are very rare, and the chances of being killed by one are less than one in 12 million. However, people are advised to stay clear of the area where the incident occurred, as shark sighted signs are posted along Honokowai Point.

Can You Reduce The Risk Of A Shark Attack?

There are some precautions that people can take to reduce the risk of shark encounters, such as:

• Avoid swimming or surfing in murky water, at dawn or dusk, or near drop-offs or sandbars.
• Do not wear shiny or bright-colored clothing or jewelry, as they may attract sharks.
• Do not enter the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding, as sharks can smell blood from far away.
• Do not swim or surf alone, and stay close to the shore and other people.
• If you see a shark, remain calm and do not panic. Try to get out of the water as quickly and quietly as possible, without splashing or making sudden movements.

Additional Details:

• Maui News: This is the primary local newspaper for Maui https://www.mauinews.com/
• KITV4: This is the ABC affiliate in Hawaii https://www.kitv.com/
• KHON2: This is the CBS affiliate in Hawaii https://www.khon2.com/.

Other Sources:

• County of Maui website: The Maui County government website may have official updates and information about the incident. You can find their website at https://www.mauicounty.gov/.
• DLNR: The Department of Land and Natural Resources manages ocean safety in Hawaii and may have information about the shark attack on their website, which you can find at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/.
• Social media: Following hashtags like #Maui, #sharkattack, and #PaiaBay on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook may provide additional information and updates from local residents.

Remember, it’s important to be cautious of information you find online, especially on social media. Stick to reputable sources like those listed above for accurate and up-to-date information.

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