In a tragic incident at a beach near Paia on the north side of Maui, a surfer lost his life in what authorities are calling a "shark encounter." The victim has been identified as 39-year-old Jason Carter from Haiku, according to local authorities.

On Saturday, after 11 a.m., Carter was pulled from the water by a jet ski, and first responders immediately administered lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. He was then transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.

An eyewitness reported that the shark involved was an enormous creature, measuring the size of a pickup truck. It forcefully bit Carter and dragged him beneath the water. The eyewitness described the dorsal fin as being nearly as large as Carter's body, with the height reaching almost as high as his head while he was on his surfboard. The witness recalled the horrific scene, stating, "It was hard to hear him screaming."

In response to the incident, Hawaii's Land and Natural Resources Department promptly placed warning signs alongside the beach, extending a mile on either side of the attack site. These measures aim to inform beachgoers and prevent further shark encounters.

This marks the first fatal shark encounter in Hawaii in recent memory, although it is the eighth such incident recorded in the state last year. The rise in such encounters has prompted concerns about the safety of surfers and beach enthusiasts in the region.

In a separate incident, a 15-year-old surfer named Khai Cowley lost his life in a suspected shark attack off the coast of South Australia. The tragic incident occurred in the waters west of Adelaide, specifically in the Yorke Peninsula. Authorities suspect a great white shark was involved in the attack, highlighting the potential dangers faced by surfers in various parts of the world.

These devastating events serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with engaging in water sports, particularly those involving interactions with marine life. Authorities and beachgoers alike should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all individuals enjoying the ocean.