The snorkeler who described being bitten by a shark at Ke‘e Beach on Saturday was actually nipped by an eel, a county lifeguard supervisor reported Monday morning. The eel was not captured and no major injuries were reported. The victim
The snorkeler who described being bitten by a shark at Ke‘e Beach on Saturday was actually nipped by an eel, a county lifeguard supervisor reported Monday morning.
The eel was not captured and no major injuries were reported. The victim is assumed to be enjoying the remainder of his vacation on Kaua‘i.
According to the lifeguard, the man’s hand and the eel somehow made contact. Someone called the police department as water safety officers posted at Ke‘e Beach responded. Zach Octavio, American Medical Response operations manager, said he hadn’t heard about the incident, but paramedics would have been dispatched to assist in medical treatment, had the laceration been a major one.
There are dozens of types of eels that make their homes in Hawai‘i. It remains a matter of contention that eels attack when there’s blood in the water.
Tips for snorkelers
- Snorkel where there are other snorkelers
- Don’t stick your hands into dark caves or holes in the reef
- Enter, exit and stand or rest on sand to protect coral and ocean creatures
- Don’t panic
- Periodically check your location to make sure you haven’t drifted away
- Ask about weather and surf forecasts before going out
