KEKAHA — Ocean Safety officials have closed the entire stretch of Kekaha Beach to swimming due to an apparent shark bite that occurred shortly after 9 a.m. Friday. A 28-year-old visitor from France had been surfing 100 yards off shore
KEKAHA — Ocean Safety officials have closed the entire stretch of Kekaha Beach to swimming due to an apparent shark bite that occurred shortly after 9 a.m. Friday.
A 28-year-old visitor from France had been surfing 100 yards off shore at a popular surf spot known as Davidson’s, when he was bit by what bystanders believe to be a roughly 12-foot Tiger shark.
The man sustained severe injuries to his lower right leg and was transported to Wilcox Hospital.
He remains there in critical condition.
Lifeguards have posted “Shark Sighted” and “No Swimming” signs along Kekaha Beach and are roving the shoreline to warn surfers and beachgoers to stay out of the water until further notice.
Per standard protocol, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources was notified of the incident.
Lifeguards will reassess the water Saturday morning to determine if it is safe for swimming.
For updates, call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 241-4984. For a daily ocean report, visit www.kauaiexplorer.com.
