Tiger Shark Bites Bodyboarder Off Maui in Afternoon Attack

On the afternoon of August 4, 1980, Mark Skidgel, an 18-year-old visitor from Yorba Linda, California, was resting on his bodyboard approximately 200 feet offshore at Puamana, Lahaina, on the island of Maui, Hawaii. A tiger shark estimated at 4.3 meters (14 feet) in length approached and bit him on the side, creating a wound that extended from his chest to his armpit. Skidgel did not immediately realize he had been bitten, only discovering the injury when he examined himself after paddling to safety. The attack occurred when the shark made a single pass at the bodyboarder. Marine biologist Rick Martini, who witnessed the incident, observed that Skidgel's quick maneuvering with his surfboard may have been critical to his survival. As the teenager turned his board while fleeing, the shark bit the plastic board instead of delivering a more severe bite to his body. Examination of the bite marks on the damaged board suggested the shark weighed approximately 1,200 pounds. Skidgel was treated for his injuries, which required 52 stitches to close. The incident was classified as unprovoked, with the shark's motivations remaining unclear. The encounter highlighted both the potential danger of shark encounters in open ocean waters and the role of quick reactions in survival during such incidents.