Man Dies In Maui After Shark Attack; Higher Number of Attacks Observed In Hawaii From October To December

Authorities disclosed that a man died in Hawaii following a shark attack. The County of Maui said that on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at approximately 11:19 a.m., police responded to the beach area of 93 Hana Highway in Paia after receiving information regarding a miscellaneous type incident.

Deadly Shark Attack

(Photo : Getty Images/ MICHELE SPATARI)

Upon arrival, Ocean Safety Officers were seen transporting a male surfer, who sustained injuries from a shark encounter, through a jet ski to shore.

Upon reaching 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.

Unfortunately, the 39-year-old victim from Haiku later succumbed to his injuries and died.

The victim's identity was withheld for 24 hours to allow his immediate family an opportunity to notify their extended family and friends. Later on, he was identified as one Jason Carter.

The police officers in Maui already extended their deepest sympathies to Carter's family and loved ones following his death.

Authorities said that preliminary investigation had already revealed no signs of foul play. Further, an autopsy has been scheduled on the man's body.

They said that investigation is still ongoing as regards the incident. At present, no additional information has been made available to the public.

Meanwhile, Baldwin Beach Park and Lower Pā'ia Park were closed on Saturday following the unfortunate incident, and officials were already deployed in the area to patrol the shore and on jet skis.

On the other hand, the Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources has said that shark warning signs had been posted one mile in either direction from the incident site in accordance with standard procedures.

Shark Attacks In Hawaii

According to the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History, the State of Hawaii has recorded at least 184 attacks since the early 19th century.

Hawaii has been second only to Florida, which has a documented 912 attacks.

The last on the list was Maryland with two recorded shark attacks.

Authorities said that they have noticed what appears to be a higher likelihood of shark bites in Hawaii from October through December.

This was according to experts of the Division of Aquatic Resources, which is part of Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Officials said that the relationship between number of people in the water and number of shark bites is not always as expected.

They added that there appears to be an increased risk of being bitten by a shark during certain months, in particular October through December.

Authorities said that Hawaiians recognized this and they have already cautioned against going in the water at that time.

Although fewer people are in the water from November to December, some of Hawaii's most serious shark attacks took place during those months.

Provoked incidents are defined by the International Shark Attack File as occurring "when a human initiates physical contact with a shark, e.g. a diver bit after grabbing a shark, a fisher bit while removing a shark from a net, and attacks on spearfishers and those feeding sharks."

Unprovoked incidents are those "where an attack on a live human by a shark occurs in its natural habitat without human provocation of the shark. Incidents involving...shark-inflicted scavenge damage to already dead humans (most often drowning victims), attacks on boats, and provoked incidents occurring in or out of the water are not considered unprovoked attacks."