WAIEHU, Hawaii (KHON2) — A 61-year-old man from Wailuku was hospitalized after suffering injuries from an apparent shark attack.

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Maui Police and Fire officials confirmed the early morning incident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. in the waters of Waiehu Beach Park, also known as the Sandpiles.

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While responding to a miscellaneous accident, officers found the man awake and conscious on shore.

He reported to the police that he was bitten by a shark while surfing and was able to swim to shore with the help of other surfers.

Five first responders said the man’s leg was “completely amputated just below the knee.”

According to Maui officials, “officers applied two Combat Practice tourniquets to the injured area before paramedics and fire personnel arrived.”

The man was later transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center for further treatment in critical condition.

The Ministry of Land and Natural Resources closed the area around 7:42 a.m. Beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water from Paukūkalo to Waihe’e.

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A public warning was issued at least until noon on Saturday, November 2. If the warning is extended, observed shark activity may be affected.

Meanwhile, a Maui Fire Department drone is being used to detect shark activity offshore.

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