Visitor suffers suspected shark bite to foot while swimming in Waikōloa

Authorities are investigating a possible shark attack at Anaeho‘omalu Bay in Waikōloa after a visitor suffered lacerations to his right foot while swimming in the area Monday evening.

At around 5:30 p.m., Hawai‘i Island police reported a 20-year-old man from Romania was swimming about 15-20 feet offshore when he suddenly felt pain in his right foot and discovered he had lacerations to the top and bottom of his foot, which was bleeding profusely.

The victim and two others near him in the water did not see any shark but medical personnel on scene related that the injuries were consistent with a shark bite.

Hawai‘i Fire Department medics transported the man to the Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There are no plans to close Anaeho‘omalu Bay at this time.

Police ask anyone who may have information on this case to contact Officer Jessica Cook at 808-887-3080.