OUTDOORS + RECREATION

Utah man recovering from shark bite while swimming in Hawaii

Mar 22, 2023, 9:30 PM

A Utah man is recovering from a shark bite he suffered while swimming in the waters near Hawaii on Sunday, March 19. Photo credit: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

BY MARK JONES

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — A 62-year-old Utah man is recovering after a shark encounter off the coast of Hawaii on Sunday, March 19.

According to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, the man was swimming roughly 200 yards off the coast when a shark bit his left hand. In the midst of trying to fight that shark off, the man felt another shark bite his left knee.

A nearby vessel heard the man’s yell for help and took him to shore. He was met on shore by the Hawaii County Fire Department where he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The man’s identity was not released. Additionally, the extent of the man’s injuries or his medical condition were also not released.

Shark signs were posted at the beach following the incident on Sunday and remained for the remainder of the day. However, no sharks were spotted following a helicopter flyover on Monday and the signs were taken down.

If you have plans to visit Hawaii or another coastal state, here are some shark safety tips.

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