Post by Bennett D. Ebberly on Nov 1, 2003 23:39:38 GMT -5
Surfer Loses Arm in Hawaii Shark Attack
LIHUE, Hawaii (AP) - A shark bit off the left arm of a 13-year-old competitive surfer Friday morning while she was lying on her board in clear water, authorities said.
Bethany Hamilton was attacked on Kauai's North Shore, authorities said. There was a single bite, and then the shark disappeared.
``There was no warning,'' said Battalion Chief Bob Kaden.
The teenager was surfing with her best friend and her friend's father, who immediately applied a tourniquet using a surf leash. Hamilton's mother, Cheri, said the move saved her life.
Tom Hamilton said his daughter was conscious and alert at a hospital.
The shark took a 16-inch-by-8-inch chunk out of the surfboard, suggesting the fish was 12 to 15 feet long, Kaden said.
It was the fourth shark attack this year. Randy Honebrink, spokesman for the state Shark Task Force, said Hawaii averages three or four attacks annually.
Hamilton already has secured sponsorships and is expected to go pro, according to the Hanalei Surf Online Web site.
LIHUE, Hawaii (AP) - A shark bit off the left arm of a 13-year-old competitive surfer Friday morning while she was lying on her board in clear water, authorities said.
Bethany Hamilton was attacked on Kauai's North Shore, authorities said. There was a single bite, and then the shark disappeared.
``There was no warning,'' said Battalion Chief Bob Kaden.
The teenager was surfing with her best friend and her friend's father, who immediately applied a tourniquet using a surf leash. Hamilton's mother, Cheri, said the move saved her life.
Tom Hamilton said his daughter was conscious and alert at a hospital.
The shark took a 16-inch-by-8-inch chunk out of the surfboard, suggesting the fish was 12 to 15 feet long, Kaden said.
It was the fourth shark attack this year. Randy Honebrink, spokesman for the state Shark Task Force, said Hawaii averages three or four attacks annually.
Hamilton already has secured sponsorships and is expected to go pro, according to the Hanalei Surf Online Web site.