Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
A 16-year-old boy surfing at "Dead Trees" on Hawaii island was attacked by a shark Sunday afternoon, county fire officials confirmed.
The teen sustained multiple cuts and puncture wounds to his legs and was transported by ambulance to the Pahoa Fire Station before boarding a helicopter bound for the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room, fire officials said.
He was apparently attacked from behind by a gray shark about 8 feet long. Most attacks in Hawaii are by tiger sharks, which are gray.
Officials said they arrived at the Pohoiki Boat Ramp just before 2 p.m. to find lifeguards already treating the boy.
A Fire Department helicopter surveyed the area around the attack but could not locate the shark, officials said.
Friends identified the teen as Ulu Napeahi, a prominent youth surfer on Hawaii island.
Within hours of the attack, Twitter feeds and Facebook pages lit up with well wishes for Napeahi. Among those communicating was pro surfer Sunny Garcia, who tweeted: "Thoughts and prayers go out to @uluboi who was attacked by a shark today:( please god take care of the young man with a heart of gold."
The attack came just four days after a German tourist was attacked by a shark while snorkeling at Palauea Beach on Maui.
The 20-year-old woman’s right arm was severed in the attack.
Meanwhile, another shark sighting prompted Big Island officials to close Hapuna Beach.
The shark was sighted Sunday morning, and the beach remained closed throughout the day.
