Tiger shark spotted after woman bitten while swimming off Hawaii resort, officials say
A shark bit a 57-year-old swimming on an ocean excursion Tuesday in Hawaii in an area where a 10-foot tiger shark had been spotted, authorities say.
Others on the excursion helped the woman, who had a 2-inch puncture wound to her left knee, to safety in a canoe, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported. She was taken to a hospital in “stable condition.”
The 17-person excursion, including canoes, paddle-boards and jet skis, set out from Kukio Golf and Beach Club in Kona at 8:50 a.m., the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources reported.
A jet ski operator told the group that a 10-foot tiger shark had been spotted in the area. A shark bit the woman while she swam about 500 yards offshore, the agency said.
Beaches near the resort and along nearby Kua Bay were closed for safety.
A helicopter survey will be conducted Wednesday to determine whether they should be reopened, according to The Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Tiger sharks, which have been known to attack people, can reach sizes of up to 16 feet.
Woman stumbles upon headless shark while walking dog on NC beach, photo shows
‘Godzilla Shark’ with 12 rows of teeth now has an official name — inspired by dragons
Longest endangered sawfish ever measured by researchers washes ashore in Florida Keys
