WAILUKU >> State aquatic officials today were assessing when they could reopen several South Maui beaches that were closed after a possible shark attack yesterday in waters off Kamaole I. Possible shark attack
shuts S. Maui beachesBy Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.com
State and county officials shut down two miles of beach, including Charley Young Beach, Cove Park, Kalama Park and the three Kamaole beaches.
The victim was about 20 yards offshore in waters 15 feet deep about 11:56 a.m. when her left foot was severely bitten, said county ocean safety official Archie Kalepa.
Karen A. Miller, 60, a part-time Kihei resident from Idaho, said she had an operation on her foot last night, partly to fix a severed artery. She was in satisfactory condition at Maui Memorial Medical Center.
Miller said she did not see what bit her but said if it was a shark, it wasn't very big. "It chomped and then let go. I feel extremely fortunate."
She added, "I'm feeling fine."
Kalepa said, "We're not positive it was a shark. We're just speculating that it is."
County ocean safety officers bandaged her foot to control the bleeding.
Ocean safety Capt. Jeff Meadows said he has worked in ocean safety in Maui for 11 years and has talked with others who have worked longer, and no one can remember a shark attack.
