Shark Attack Victim On Life Support In Hawaii

A German tourist who had her arm bitten off by a shark in Hawaii last week is on full life support, a hospital spokeswoman has said.

The Maui News reports that Jana Lutteropp, 20, is in a "very critical condition" at the Maui Memorial Medical Centre.

Spokeswoman Carol Clark said the family has requested privacy "during this very difficult time".

Ms Lutteropp was attacked by the shark while snorkelling around 50 yards (46 metres) offshore at Palauea Beach, also known as White Rock in Makena, on August 14.

Other swimmers waded out with a kayak and managed to bring her back to shore.

Witnesses said Ms Lutteropp's right arm had been bitten off and she had lost a significant amount of blood. The arm was not found.

"We heard screaming from the water and it was this unbelievable scream like I’ve never heard before," local resident Andree Conley-Kapoi told MauiNow.com after the attack.

"The only time anybody would scream like that is if they are being attacked by a shark," she added.

There have been eight shark attacks on the Hawaii islands so far this year.

On Sunday a 16-year-old surfer Jimmy Ulualoha 'Ulu-boy' Napeahi suffered leg injuries after being bitten by a shark near Hilo on the Big Island.

He had 30 deep lacerations but his mother told Reuters he is expected to make a full recovery.

Claire Napeahi said he was due to catch a plane that day to Oahu to compete in a surfing contest.

As she waved for him to come back to shore, Jimmy shouted to her: "'One more wave, one more wave,' and that's when it happened," she said.

Jimmy was flown by helicopter to Hilo Medical Centre, where he was said to be in a satisfactory condition on Sunday night, said William Aila, chairman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

His mother said. "He'll be able to surf again after he heals."

"He's going to recover and he's going to go back. ... Absolutely, it's been his passion his whole life. He's been surfing since he was four."