Overview
- Kauai Ocean Safety lifeguard Chance Swanson, 33, was bitten on the leg while surfing near the Pine Trees/Middles break around 3:10 p.m. on Nov. 5.
- He was treated on shore, transported to Wilcox Medical Center, then medevac'd to The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu for care.
- Surgeries repaired an artery in his calf and injuries to his tibia, and his family says another procedure may be needed.
- Hanalei Bay remains closed with 'Shark Sighted' and 'No Swimming' warnings posted as lifeguards continue patrols; officials have not identified the species.
- Officials noted a 10-foot tiger shark sighting in the area the day before and a separate reef shark report at Po‘ipū; a family GoFundMe has raised nearly $120,000, and state data counts 169 shark incidents in Hawaii since 1995 with many in October.