A shark sighting just off Fort DeRussy Beach in Waikiki on Wednesday afternoon sent swimmers and surfers hustling out of the water, after a witness and her family began shouting warnings from the shoreline. Everyone made it out safely and no injuries were reported.
What Happened
According to Hawaii News Now, the shark was first spotted at about 1:15 p.m. off Fort DeRussy Beach. The witness told the outlet that her brother and nephew were in the water when they saw the shark and began yelling to others to get out of the ocean. The report notes that no one was hurt.
Not an Isolated Sighting
The Fort DeRussy scare is part of a busy month of shark activity around Oʻahu. Earlier in June a 38‑year‑old surfer suffered serious lower‑leg injuries after a shark encounter near Cromwell's Beach, Spectrum News reported. Lifeguards have also posted warnings and kept close watch at other popular spots such as Electric Beach while crews monitor conditions, as shark sighting sends swimmers scrambling notes.
How Officials Respond and How to Report
Officials advise people to leave the water calmly and give the shark plenty of space while lifeguards check conditions. Per the Department of Land and Natural Resources' emergency contacts page, shark sightings for data collection can be reported to the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources at 808‑587‑0100, and dangerous encounters should be reported to 911. Honolulu Ocean Safety typically responds by posting "shark sighted" signs and issuing HNL Alert notices while crews patrol the area, as shown in past alerts reported by Hawaii News Now.
Beachgoers headed to Waikiki are encouraged to check in with on‑duty lifeguards for the latest ocean conditions and to follow any posted warnings until officials clear the water. We will update this story if authorities release further details.
