Friday, January 18, 2013

Tiger shark mauls surfer on the Big Island

Surfer punched the shark repeatedly until it let go


Tiger shark © Albert Kok

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 18 January, 2013 : - - A surfer is recovering after he was attacked by a shark on the Big Island. Paul Santos, 43, was attacked by a 15-foot tiger shark about 200 yards off shore of Kiholo Bay. According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Santos was bit on the right forearm and sustained knee injuries.

A worker at the private home of Dr. Earl Bakken responded after hearing someone shout "911." According to Dr. Bakken's General Manager Adam Atwood, the staff isolated Santos' injury, stabilized him, and waited 35 minutes for paramedics to arrive. Atwood says Santos punched the shark repeatedly until it let go, and then saw it jump completely out of the water.

Santos was taken to the hospital, but was later flown to Oahu for treatment. As of Thursday afternoon, hospital officials say Santos is in stable condition. According to Atwood, sharks and turtles are known to frequent the area.

Read the full article at KHON

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