A professional lifeguard was killed by a shark while surfing Sunday afternoon off the Hawaiian island of Oahu, authorities said.
Authorities were called just before 1 p.m. Sunday after witnesses reported seeing a man being attacked by a shark near Goat Island. The Honolulu Ocean Safety Office and the city’s fire, police and emergency medical services departments responded to the distress call and rushed to Malaekahana Beach on Oahu’s North Shore.
A local lifeguard is believed to have escorted the victim back to shore on a jet ski, and despite emergency personnel attempting life-saving measures, the lifeguard was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to local authorities, Tamayo Perry, 49, a lifeguard with the City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety Department, died in the shark attack.
Shane Enright of the Honolulu Office of Emergency Services said in a statement that Perry was reportedly bitten multiple times by the shark.
Following the fatal shark attack, Marine Safety Bureau officials posted warnings urging swimmers and surfers in the area to be vigilant.
Honolulu Ocean Safety Bureau acting director Kurt Lager said Perry was “a beloved lifeguard.”
“He’s well known on the North Shore. He’s a world-renowned professional surfer,” Lager said. stated “Tamayo’s personality was infectious and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else even more,” she said at a press conference.
“Mr Tamayo was a legendary sailor and highly respected. We offer our condolences to Mr Tamayo’s family and all of the lifeguards. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this time,” Rugger added.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi described Perry’s death as a “tragic loss.”
“Mr. Tamayo was a legendary sailor, highly respected and an outstanding member of our marine safety team,” Blangiardi said.
“The City and County of Honolulu stands with the marine safety community and will provide any assistance necessary during this period of mourning. We ask the community to join us in honoring his memory and to keep his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers,” Blangiardi said.
Perry reportedly began his career with the Maritime Safety Agency in July 2016.
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