A 57-year-old woman was hospitalized Tuesday after she was apparently bitten by a tiger shark in waters off Kukio Resort.
At about 8:50 a.m. Tuesday, an ocean excursion tour group of 17 people (eight on stand-up paddle boards, six in canoes and two swimming) were in the ocean when a jet ski operator told everyone a 10-foot tiger shark was in the area. Initial reports indicate one of the two women swimming apparently encountered a shark about 200 yards offshore, according to the state.
The woman was able to get into the canoe and was brought to shore, where first aid was performed prior to her being transported in stable condition to Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea.
The woman was apparently attacked from behind and suffered a 2-inch puncture wound to her left knee, according to the Hawaii Fire Department.
Hawaii County Civil Defense said Kukio and Kua bays were closed for the remainder of the day. A survey will be conducted this morning to determine if the bays can be reopened.