A 61-year-old man was bitten by a shark Friday morning while surfing at Maui’s Waiehu Beach Park at a surf spot known as “Sandpiles.” 

First responders said the victim’s leg was completely severed just below the knee. 

Police officers were the first to arrive on the scene, applying two tourniquets to control bleeding. 

The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea said the victim was alert while being treated onshore. The patient was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition. 

Officials closed the gate to Waiehu Beach Park. Beach goers are advised to stay out of the water from Paukūkalo to Waihe‘e until Saturday at noon, although the advisory may be extended if further shark activity is observed in the area. 

Two Ocean Safety Officers are patrolling the area via a rescue watercraft, along with a MFD drone operator, for shark activity. 

DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers provided shark warning signs, helped cordon off the area, and are working with MFD to monitor the area. 

DLNR records kept since 1995 include eight fatalities from shark attacks in waters near Maui.