Hawai‘i Island police recently responded to Ka‘alu‘alu Beach after receiving a report that a man had been bitten by a shark.

Upon arrival, officers learned that a 24-year-old Holualoa man had been diving with two companions when they observed a blacktip reef shark entangled in rope and fishing gear approximately 30 to 40 yards from shore. As the group attempted to free the shark, the animal began thrashing and bit the man on the inner and outer areas of his left thigh.

After Hawai‘i County Fire Department medics treated him at the scene. the victim was transported by helicopter to Kona Community Hospital for further treatment.