Hanalei Bay reopened after shark incident
UPDATE: 4:30 p.m.
Ocean Safety officials pulled the shark warning signs along Hanalei Bay after assessing the conditions.
“However, due to the High Surf Warning and elevated surf, OSB officials are advising caution when going into the water,” according to a statement.
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Kauai County Ocean Safety officials have closed Hanalei Bay to swimming and other ocean activities until further notice due to an apparent shark bite that occurred Sunday.
According to a preliminary report, at about 4 p.m. Sunday, a male resident surfing at a spot known as “the bowl” off Hanalei Bay was reportedly bitten on the leg by a large shark. The type and size of the shark is unknown, officials said.
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The man sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his leg and was taken to Wilcox Medical Center in stable condition.
Lifeguards have posted signs saying “shark sighted” and “no swimming” along Hanalei Bay and are roving the shoreline and waters to warn surfers and beachgoers to stay out until further notice.
Per standard protocol, officials are notifying the state Department of Land and Natural Resources of the incident. Lifeguards will reassess the water this afternoon — at least 24 hours after the incident — to determine if it is safe for swimming.
