WAIEHU, Hawaii (KHNL/Gray News) – First responders in Hawaii say a 61-year-old surfer’s leg was amputated just below the knee when he was bitten by a shark.

Police say a 61-year-old surfer was seriously injured when he was bitten by a shark shortly after 7 a.m. Friday in the waters off Waiehu Beach Park on the island of Maui. reports KHNL.

Loved ones identified the surfer as ‘Kenji’ on a GoFundMe set out to raise money to help them recover. He is a regular at a surf spot known as “Sandpiles,” where the incident happened, his friends said.

Sources say Kenji was sitting on his surfboard when the shark swam up and bit his leg. Witnesses who heard the victim’s screams say other surfers helped him swim back to shore.

“I heard this scream and I looked. All of a sudden, I just saw him splash and I don’t know what’s going on,” said witness David Basques. “It swam back, maybe more than halfway, then I saw someone jump in. They went to bring him in.”

Police say officers applied two tourniquets to Kenji’s leg before paramedics and firefighters arrived. First responders confirmed his leg was completely severed just below the knee.

“I would like to congratulate the patient on his strength and means in reaching the shore. I mean, it’s amazing. Any good Samaritans that assisted, I’d like to commend them as well,” said Maui Fire Department Deputy Chief Jeff Giesea.

The victim remains hospitalized at Maui Memorial Medical Center.

According to GoFundMe, Kenji said in the intensive care unit immediately after surgery, “I still love the ocean!”

Officials have closed the beach park and lifeguards are patrolling the waters. Beachgoers are asked to stay out of the water from Paukukalo to Waihee until further notice.

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