Hawai‘i Island police have initiated an investigation into an apparent encounter between a 68 year-old man and what has been reported as a 12-foot tiger shark that occurred at Anaehoʻomalu Bay, in Waikoloa yesterday.

The Waikoloa man was swimming approximately 400 yards offshore when a shark bit him on the lower left torso. When the swimmer attempted to fend off the shark with a diving knife he was released by the shark.

The swimmer was assisted to shore by paddle boarders and transported to Queens North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital by for treatment.  He is reportedly in stable condition.

Warning signs were posted at Anaehoʻomalu Bay and at various resort properties in the area.

DLNR Photo