A 61-year-old surfer is lucky to be alive after a shark attack at Waiehu Beach Park in Maui on Friday morning, police said. Identified as “Kenji” as part of a GoFundMe to help with his recovery, the local surfer was bitten on the leg shortly after 7 a.m. while sitting on his surfboard. Other surfers reportedly helped him get back to shore after hearing his screams. His right leg was “completely severed just below the knee,” Maui County said in a statement. “I would like to commend the patient for his strength and wherewithal, getting himself to shore. I mean, that’s extraordinary. Whatever Good Samaritans offered assistance, I’d like to commend them as well,” said Maui Fire Department Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea. “Maui Police Department for their quick action applying two combat application tourniquets to the patient’s leg. That action is often the difference between life and death and of course our own personnel and American Medical Response for the professional services.” Kenji’s friends revealed the surfer said “I still love the ocean” after recovering from surgery.
