California snorkeling injured in shark attack in Hawaii

A 73-year-old Californian man was slightly injured in a shark attack off the Hawaiian island of Maui on Friday morning, state officials said.

The unidentified victim was snorkeling outside the Westin Maui Resort & Spa in Lahaina when he was attacked and suffered lacerations, according to the Hawaii Department of Lands and Natural Resources.

“First responders, ocean safety officials and conservation law enforcement are always happy when someone walks away from a shark encounter with only minor injuries,” the department said. in a press release.

The victim called 911 and was taken to a hospital, where she was interviewed by Adam Wong, education specialist in the State Aquatic Resources Division, as part of the ongoing documentation of the shark attacks , said the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Part of the beach, popularly known as Kaanapali, will be closed until noon on Saturday, he said. Signs stating “Shark Sighted Keep Out Warning” have been posted.

State officials said officers would patrol the area warning people not to go in the water.

Last month, a surfer was fatally attacked by a shark in Honolua Bay in Maui, officials said. A 14-foot tiger shark was blamed for the attack, which included “severe lacerations” to the victim’s left leg, they said.