Shark bites surfer, 61, with leg 'completely severed below knee' as beach shut

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A man's leg has been severed below the knee after a shark attack while he was surfing in Hawaii. The 61-year-old was enjoying a surf off on the island of Maui on Friday morning when the shark struck.

First responders, including police officers, attempted to control the bleeding with tourniquets. His right leg was "completely severed just below the knee," according to a statement from Maui County.

Despite his injuries, the man remained conscious while receiving treatment on the shore before being rushed to Maui Memorial Medical Centre in critical condition. He reported not seeing the shark approach, according to authorities.

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The incident led to the closure of the beach park and officials issued warnings for people to avoid the water in the area. A public warning will remain in effect until at least noon on Saturday local time, and may be extended if there are further shark sightings.

Maui fire and ocean safety officials patrolled the waters using rescue watercraft and a drone, while state officials provided shark warning signs and assisted in cordoning off the area. No details were given about the type of shark involved.

It comes after well-known surfer Tamayo Perry was killed in a shark attack while surfing off Oahu’s North Shore in June.

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