A 24-year-old man from Holualoa was bitten by a blacktip reef shark while attempting to free it from fishing gear near Ka‘alu‘alu Beach, Hawai‘i Island, according to an official statement from the Hawai‘i Police Department.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of December 9, 2025, in waters off the Ka‘ū District. Police reported that the diver and several companions noticed the shark entangled in a rope and fishing line. As the man tried to release the animal, it bit his leg, causing significant injury.
Emergency responders from the Hawai‘i Fire Department and County paramedics treated the diver at the scene before he was airlifted to Kona Community Hospital. Officials confirmed he was in stable condition.
Authorities identified the shark as a blacktip reef shark, a species common to shallow coastal waters across the Hawaiian Islands. Police emphasised that while the diver’s intentions were compassionate, handling or freeing marine wildlife can be dangerous for both people and the animal involved.
“Hawai‘i Police Department reminds the public to avoid direct contact with entangled or stranded marine animals,” the statement read. “Individuals should instead report sightings to trained responders who are equipped to handle such situations safely.”
The public is urged to contact the NOAA Marine Wildlife Response Hotline (888-256-9840) to report entangled or distressed marine life.
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