It’s been a bad weekend for Oahu. Saturday saw two shark attacks on different sides of the island, leaving both victims in critical condition.
The first attack involved a 44-year-old man who was swimming off Lanikai Beach on Oahu’s east side. At around noon on Saturday afternoon, the man, whose name hasn’t been released, suffered “extensive injuries to both feet,” according to the report. He was taken to the beach by an outrigger canoe, then rushed to the hospital.
“Injuries were pretty extreme,” said Joey Montano, a Lanikia resident. “Both legs, just above the ankle were just hanging on.”
The second attack occurred just a few hours later, in Waikiki, when a 32-year-old man was bitten on his left leg. According to reports, it was the first documented shark attack in Waikiki.
While beaches are still open both near Lanikai and Waikiki, lifeguards are urging beachgoers to stay out of the water until a decision is made.
“These last two have been pretty aggressive, resulting in critical injuries,” said Shayne Enright, Honolulu Emergency Services Department spokeswoman. “It has been an active year [for shark attacks], unfortunately.”
*Updated: Authorities are now saying the attack in Waikiki may have been an eel, not a shark.
