Hawaii shark attack- A woman surfing around the waters of Maui has been attacked by a shark. This is the third encounter reported in just four days.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday about 200 yards off Waipuilani Beach Park. Reports indicate that two women Kim Lawrence and Terry Lee were using stand-up paddles in murky waters about five to six feet deep, when they noticed a shark approaching.
The feared aquatic prey's head and dorsal fin - believed to be about two feet wide - reportedly bit the board, knocking one of the women into the water.
"It bit down on her board right there, as you can see all the marks," Lee who witnessed her friend's encounter with the shark said.
She revealed that after toppling her friend, the prey believed to be a Tiger shark slowly slid underneath Lawrence.
"She's struggling to get up so you can't see if the shark got her legs or she's getting up on her own," she explains.
Although no injuries were recorded in the Hawaii shark attack, authorities have closed the beach following the incident. The temporary closure affects the old Suda store all the way to the Kalama Beach Park.
"We are fortunate that no one was hurt in any of these encounters," DLNR Chair William Aila said. He also cautioned beach goers to "stay out of areas that continue to experience runoff and murky water."
As of Thursday officials from the Division of Conservation and Resources were still inspecting the site to see if it is safe for people to use.
Many have attributed the increased Hawaii shark attacks to the Hurricane, Ana. In 35 years, about 108 shark encounters have been reported and only 9 of these have been fatal.
Lawrence, describing the encounter, said she thought the worst when she "felt the shark rub up against me." My thought was" Oh my God...he's gonna take my leg."
She explained that during the Hawaii shark attack her instinct for survival gave in, so she "kicked really hard" while struggling to get back on her board. She eventually "stepped right off his [the shark] back" before being able to get back on her board.
Upon their arrival on the shores, they saw a large bite print left on Lawrence's board by the shark. Shark bite marks were also reported during the other Hawaii shark attack that happened this past Saturday and Monday.
