The shark attacked the French tourist.
Photo: JOSEPH PREZIOSO / AFP / Getty Images
A French woman was bitten by a shark off the coast of Maui on Saturday afternoon, authorities announced today.
In a statement from Maui County, authorities said officers responded to the Pāʻia Bay beach area on the island’s north shore at approximately 4:09 p.m. local time.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers saw that bystanders had already pulled the 51-year-old woman to shore and tended to her until fire and medical personnel took over.
The victim had reportedly been seen swimming and possibly diving in murky water approximately 100 yards from shore prior to the incident.
The rescue forces took her to the Maui Memorial Medical Center, however, they reported her in critical condition, while the authorities continue with the investigation into the bite.
The Maui Now reported that the Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources (DLNR) also responded.
The outlet wrote that Maui County closed three north shore beaches through Sunday after the incident, with DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources staff and Maui Ocean Safety officers posting shark warning signs on both sides. from Pāʻia Bay.
The last shark encounter on Maui was recorded in May 2021 when a shark bit a man who fell off his kite foil at Kanaha Beach Park. That encounter resulted in minor injuries.
Authorities are advising people to stay away from the murky waters when heading to the beaches. The DLNR says the beach closures, which stretch from Baldwin Beach to Tavares Bay, will remain in effect until further notice.
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