California man describes shark that bit him

[April 04, 2013]  WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) -- Ocean safety officers in Maui are patrolling an area where a shark bit a California man.

The 58-year-old Marina Del Rey man was bit in the leg Tuesday off Kaanapali Shores Place in Lahaina. Firefighters described his thigh wound as a 6-inch bite in the outline of a shark's jaws.

Maui County officials say the man later told authorities the shark had a head the size of a basketball. Surfers who were nearby reported seeing a 4-foot-long shark. Lifeguards believe it was a reef shark.

The Maui News reports (http://is.gd/9uyPoh) the area off Kaanapali Shores Place likely will remain closed for at least part of Wednesday.

People have been warned to stay out of the water for a mile in either direction from the location of the attack along the shoreline. Warning signs have been posted.

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Information from: The Maui News, http://www.mauinews.com/

[Associated Press]

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