HONOLULU (AP) — A shark killed a 65-year-old woman in an attack Wednesday off Maui, officials said. ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — A shark killed a 65-year-old woman in an attack Wednesday off Maui, officials said. Maui Fire Department said in
HONOLULU (AP) — A shark killed a 65-year-old woman in an attack Wednesday off Maui, officials said.
Maui Fire Department said in a statement the unresponsive woman was found by snorkelers about 200 yards from shore and was taken to the beach at a popular surfing spot. Paramedics attempted lifesaving efforts but were unsuccessful.
Injuries on the victim’s torso suggest she was attacked by a shark, fire officials said in the statement.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources released a statement saying the attack occurred in the Kanahena Cove area of Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve on Maui.
Kekoa Kaluhiwa, first deputy director of the DLNR, said at a news conference in Honolulu that the incident is being investigated. He said staff would be posting additional signage along the coast.
“Our condolence goes out to the family of the victim,” he said.
Crews cleared the water using jet skis, and the DLNR closed the area to swimmers, divers and other ocean activities. The area will be closed until at least noon today, when officials will assess the scene and decide if it is safe to reopen.
There are no reported witnesses of the attack, which was the first fatal encounter of the year in Hawaii.
