Hawaii surfer succumbs to wounds after shark attack in Maui

A man, originally from Haiku, Hawaii, was injured and later died after he was attacked by a shark in the waters off Maui in Paia Bay over the weekend, according to local police.

Jason Carter, described by local media as a surfer, was attacked on Saturday morning, the Maui Police Department said in a statement.

Officials said that they arrived at the scene around 11:19am where Ocean Safety Officers had already been transporting the injured victim on a jet ski to shore, Daily Mail reported.

"Once onshore, life-saving measures were performed by first responder personnel until medic personnel arrived to transport the male to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for further treatment," the statement added.

However, the 39-year-old "later succumbed to his injuries and died," around 5:30pm on Saturday, it continued.

Following the fatal incident, shark warning signs were set up along Baby Beach to Tavares Bayalong — a mile away from each side of the scene. Additionally, Baldwin Beach Park and Baby Beach were closed by county officials on Saturday.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) reported that Carter was surfing in "mixed" water conditions due to high surf.

The DNLR's shark incident database marks the incident as the eighth shark attack this year, with four of them involving tiger sharks which can grow up to 10-14ft long.

It was the only one resulting in a fatality.

Hawaii's waters contain approximately 40 shark species, ranging from eight feet to 50 feet, and the exact type and number of sharks involved in the attack remain unclear.

Although there were no initial signs of foul play, an investigation is underway and an autopsy is scheduled, according to the police department.

Another fatal shark encounter occurred on December 2 in Mexico when a mother was killed after it ripped off her leg while she was desperately trying to save her five-year-old daughter.