***Updated at 9:15 p.m. to include the identity of the victim, in addition to information from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.***
The victim in Sunday afternoon’s incident at Upolu Point involving a shark bite has undergone surgery for his injuries.
A family friend has identified the victim as Braxton Rocha of Kapaau.
Department of Land and Natural Resources officials report that Rocha said the tiger shark that bit him was estimated to be 13-feet long. The incident happened in murky, brown waters as heavy rain was falling in the area.
Rocha was reportedly able to swim to shore and alert his fishing companion that he had been injured.
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Laurie Rocha, the victim’s mother, said via social media that her son received a “good prognosis” from the doctor. The extent of the injuries were not immediately available.
No beaches have been closed, but DLNR advises beachgoers to avoid getting into the water when brown water conditions exist.
***Updated at 7:10 p.m. to include information from the Hawai’i County Fire Department.***
The Hawai’i County Fire Department responded to a report of a shark bite at Upolu Point Sunday afternoon.
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Just before 4 p.m., a 27-year-old man was bitten by a Tiger shark on his left distal thigh and calf.
The victim, who has yet to be identified, was being transported via private vehicle when officials intercepted the vehicle near the 21 mile marker on Akoni Pule Highway. He was then placed in an ambulance and taken to Kamehameha Park where a helicopter met rescue personnel to transport the man to North Hawai’i Community Hospital, where he is in serious condition.
***Original story posted at 5:36 p.m.***
A man was bite by a shark at Upolu Point Sunday afternoon. According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, he suffered non-fatal wounds.
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The identity of the victim has not been released.
Authorities say the man was medevaced to North Hawai’i Community Hospital.
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