A shark bit a Maui surfer Friday and severed his leg, authorities said.
The man, 61, was surfing off Waiehu Beach Park on Friday morning when a shark bit him. The police officers who arrived on the scene first tried to control the bleeding using tourniquets.
His right leg was “completely severed just below the knee,” Maui County said in a news release.
The man was alert as he was treated on shore and then taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition.
The man said he did not see the shark approaching, authorities reported.
The incident prompted authorities to close the beach park.
Authorities warned people to stay out of the water in the area.
The public warning to stay out of the water for one mile in each direction of the incident will be in effect until at least noon Saturday.
The warning will be extended if there is a shark sighting in the area.
Maui Fire and Marine Safety officials patrolled the waters using lifeboats and a drone.
State officials provided shark warning signs and helped cordon off the area.
No details were provided on the type of shark involved.
In June, famous surfer Tamayo Perry was killed in a shark attack while surfing off the north shore of Oahu.
