Hawaii beach area closed after snorkeler reports shark attack

WAILUKU, Hawaii – Officials say part of a beach in Hawaii has been closed after a snorkeler reported being bitten by a shark.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources says the 50-year-old Homer, Alaska, man said he was attacked early Thursday afternoon.

The department says he reported he was snorkeling off Airplane Beach area of West Maui when he glimpsed a five-foot shark, felt a bump, and then immediate pain.

He swam to shore and was taken to a hospital and treated for a leg laceration. There was no further word on the seriousness of the injury or his condition.

The department says it closed the beach area until officials could assess the situation on Friday.

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