A 58-year-old surfer from Hawaii had a harrowing encounter with a tiger shark off the coast of Honolulu, resulting in the loss of his foot.
Mike Morita, an experienced surfer with 40 years of experience, was attacked by an approximately 8-foot tiger shark in Kewalo Basin on a Sunday morning around 7 AM.
Quick-thinking witnesses, who were also fellow surfers, sprang into action and used their surfboard leashes as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding and limit the blood loss.
Officials praised the swift action of the other surfers, stating that their quick thinking likely saved Mike’s life.
He was rushed to a local hospital for treatment, where he underwent surgery upon arrival.
Despite the traumatic incident, Mike’s family has expressed gratitude for the support they have received, releasing a statement thanking everyone who helped.
“He has a long and difficult road ahead of him. My dad is a fighter and even though he’s facing a setback now, you all know that won’t stop him,” said Morita’s son to a local news outlet.
The road to recovery has already begun for Mike, as he underwent surgery on the day of the attack and is scheduled for a second surgery later in the week.
Medical bills are mounting, and Morita’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with the expenses.
As of now, the fund has already reached over $62,000, a testament to the outpouring of support for the injured surfer.
Shark sightings are common in Hawaii but shark attacks are rare.
In fact, before Sunday’s incident, there hadn’t been a reported attack in the Kewalo Basin area in over two decades, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
As a precaution, lifeguards were stationed on the beach on Monday, informing swimmers that they were not allowed to enter the water.
Despite the life-changing setback, Morita’s family remains hopeful and optimistic about his recovery.
They are grateful for the support they have received and the actions of the fellow surfers who acted swiftly in a dire situation.
Mike’s son expressed confidence in his father’s resilience and determination to overcome the challenges ahead.
The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with ocean activities and the need for vigilance when venturing into the water.
Shark attacks, although rare, can happen, and it is important to be aware of the potential dangers and take necessary precautions to ensure safety.
We wish him a fast recovery.
