Shark attacks a surfer on beach in front of our condo…Photos…Hurricane has passed…Rain, wind and high surf ended…

There were several of these police jet skis in the water for hours after the shark attack occurred in front of the building.

Yesterday early afternoon, as we watched the effects of Hurricane Ana as she bypassed the island of Maui, we were curious as to action in the ocean outside our building. Looking through the camera lens and binoculars, we observed no less than eight jet skis skimming through the water, seeming to focus on one specific area.

Although it was raining surfers took advantage of the surf generated by Hurricane Ana.

Curious as to what was going on, we checked the news a while later to find a news article that read the following story we copied from Maui News.

PHOTOS: 12-14 Foot Shark Bites Board of Surfer in Māʻalaea, No Injuries

12-14 foot shark bites board at Māʻalaea. Photo courtesy DLNR Enforcement.

By Wendy Osher

Crews from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources are working to clear a section of beach in South Maui after a confirmed shark bite incident, in which a shark bit the board of a surfer, with no injuries was reported.

“It was confirmed a 12 to 14-foot shark did bite a surfer’s board. DLNR will be clearing the surrounding water,” said Brianne Savage, Interim Director of the County of Maui Parks and Recreation department.

The incident was reported in the South Maui area of Māʻalaea at around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014.

Dan Dennison with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources tells Maui Now that the surfer had to shove the board into the shark to fend off the attack.

According to Dennison, the water is “very dirty” and the Department’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement launched two jet skis to help lifeguards warn people to stay out of the water.

There is currently a flash flood watch and a high surf advisory in effect for the south-facing shores of Maui County waters through 6 p.m. tonight with waves expected to be in the 10 to 14-foot range. Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the large swell is one of the impacts as Hurricane Ana passes south of the state.

Maui Police say beaches are closed between McGregor’s Point and Kealia Beach Pond due to a shark sighting. Affected beaches will remain closed until at least 12 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19. DLNR will reassess the beaches during that time.

The Dept. of Parks and Recreation today announced that all County of Maui parks, recreational facilities, and campgrounds are scheduled to reopen tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014.

Parks facilities were closed due to the unpredictability of weather conditions related to Tropical Cyclone Ana, and will remain closed for the remainder of today, said Maui County Communication Specialist Lois Whitney.

12-14 foot shark bites board at Māʻalaea. Photo courtesy DLNR Enforcement.

Surfers being called out of the water following a shark bit the board of a surfer in Māʻalaea (south Maui) at around 11:30 a.m. 10/18/14.  No injuries reported. Photo by Jack Dugan.

Surfers being called out of the water following a shark bit the board of a surfer in Māʻalaea (south Maui) at around 11:30 a.m. 10/18/14. No injuries reported. Photo by Jack Dugan.

Surfers being called out of the water following a shark bit the board of a surfer in Māʻalaea (south Maui) at around 11:30 a.m. 10/18/14. No injuries reported. Photo by Jack Dugan.

After that round of excitement and feeling grateful that the surfer was uninjured, we busied ourselves the remainder of the day watching the storm move through our area with torrential rain, winds, and surf. It was an unusual day.

We’ve yet to sit by the pool or spend a lot of time outdoors. The weather report indicates rain for many days to come. Sightseeing is out of the question in the rain when we’ll have plenty of time to explore the island on sunny days allowing us to take good photos.

We’re content, comfortable, and happy to be in Maui. Rain or shine, Maui epitomizes our perception of an island paradise. In the quiet area of Maalaea, next to the bay and situated on the Pacific Ocean, we couldn’t be more in our element especially when the Whales soon begin to enter this area. 

The winds and the rains continued throughout the day but, we certainly dodged a bullet when there was no damage on this island. The Big Island was the hardest hit with some damage and flooding.

As for the sea turtles, we’ll keep a watchful eye and post photos as soon as we spot them. In the interim, we’re finding pleasure in checking out, “Small Things” which we’ll share tomorrow with some amazing photos.

As we lounge, enjoy great homemade meals, visit our family and friends online, and do general housekeeping, we’re more content than we’d imagined. I suppose it takes being away from certain comforts that inspire one to feel grateful over the simplest of amenities; a TV in the bedroom, a whistling teapot, a large enough bowl to make a salad, a sturdy roomy shower, and…as always, each other. 

                                            Photo from one year ago today, October 19, 2013:

When I heard a noise on the attic level of the house in Kenya, we made our way up the steep spiral staircase to check it out. Alas, this Owl was trapped inside. We called Hesborn to help get it outside which he gladly did in a matter of minutes. For details of that date, please click here.