A 57-year-old woman was hospitalized Tuesday after she was apparently bitten by a tiger shark in waters off Kukio Resort.
Around 8:50 a.m. Tuesday, an ocean excursion tour group of 17 people (eight on stand-up paddle boards, six in canoes and two swimming) were in the ocean, when a jet ski operator told everyone a 10-foot tiger shark was in the area. Initial reports indicate, one of the two women swimming apparently encountered a shark about 200 yards offshore, according to the state.
The woman was able to get into the canoe and was brought to shore, where first-aid was rendered prior to her being transported in stable condition to North Hawaii Community Hospital.
The woman was apparently attacked from behind and suffered a 2-inch puncture wound to her left knee, according to the Hawaii Fire Department.
Hawaii County Civil Defense said both Kukio and Kua bays are closed for the remainder of the day. A survey will be conducted Wednesday morning to determine of the bays can be reopened.