Jimmy Ulu Boy Napeahi: tougher than sharks

A 16-year-old Hawaiian surfer was bit across both legs by a shark at Pohoiki, Big Island. He is recovering well and will be surfing again.

Jimmy "Ulu Boy" Napeahi, a member of the Puna Surf Team, suffered multiple lacerations and puncture wounds to his lower extremities.

He was immediately treated by lifeguards and then airlifted to Hilo Medical Center.

Early reports indicate a gray-colored shark, about 8 feet long.

A second rescue helicopter surveyed the water from the air in the area of the attack but did not report any sign of a shark.

Napeahi was surfing with friends at "Shacks" at about 1:30 p.m. when he was suddenly pulled underwater.

The young wave rider shouted that he'd been hit by a shark, and seconds later, his friends grabbed him and brought him in.

One rescuer used his surf leash as a tourniquet to help stop the bleeding.

"Ulu Boy" was preparing to compete in a North Shore surfing competition after securing fourth place at the 29th Annual Big Island Pro-Am.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources closed ocean waters along the Pohoiki coastline after the attack.

Recently, a shark bit off the arm of a 20-year-old German tourist who was snorkeling in Maui.

Take a look at the most shark-infested waters in the world and learn more about this predator in our shark attack map.

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