Shark keeps swimmers
off East Shore

A large shark tiger shark spotted off Waimanalo yesterday prompted city lifeguards to usher swimmers at nearby beaches out of the water.

Lifeguards on jet-skis went out to swimmers in the water, while others on all-terrain vehicles warned people on the beaches, said Jim Howe, operations chief of the city's Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services.

The affected beaches included Sherwood Forest, Waimanalo Beach Park and Shriners Beach.

A Honolulu Fire Department helicopter pilot spotted what he estimated to be a 12- to 14-foot shark about 100 yards offshore between Waimanalo Beach Park and Shriners Beach at about 12:15 p.m. yesterday, said Fire Department spokesman Capt. Kenison Tejada.

The pilot was returning from training with HFD's Fire Rescue, he said.

Windward Ocean Safety Capt. Kevin Allen said lifeguards on jet-skis escorted the shark beyond the reef, but it looped back in.

They followed it for about an hour, then lost it in murky water at about 3 p.m., he said. The lifeguards estimated the shark's size at 10 to 12 feet and said it was not behaving aggressively.

Because of its size, Allen said, people were advised to stay out of the water.

Lifeguards were to make an evaluation this morning as to whether to post warning signs and continue the advisory.