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HONOLULU (AP) — A shark killed a 65-year-old woman in an attack off the shore of Maui on Wednesday, officials said.
Maui Fire Department said in a statement that the unresponsive woman was found by snorkelers about 200 yards from shore and was taken to the beach at a popular surfing spot. Paramedics attempted lifesaving efforts but were unsuccessful.
Injuries on the victim's torso suggest she was attacked by a shark, fire officials said in the statement.
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources released a statement saying the attack occurred in the Kanahena Cove area of Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve on Maui.
Kekoa Kaluhiwa, first deputy director of state Department of Land and Natural Resources, said at a news conference in Honolulu that the incident is being investigated. He said staff would be posting additional signage along the coast.
"Our condolence goes out to the family of the victim," he said.
Crews cleared the water using jet skis, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the area to swimmers, divers and other ocean activities. The area will be closed until at least noon Thursday, when officials will assess the scene and decide if it is safe to reopen.
There are no reported witnesses of the shark attack, which was the first fatal encounter of the year in Hawaii.
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