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 officials said the early morning incident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. in the waters off Waiehu Beach Park.

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

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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.

According to Maui officials, “officers applied a tourniquet to the injured area before paramedics and fire personnel arrived.”

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

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The Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the area around 7:42 a.m.

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