…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Mike Morita, a 58-year-old Hawaiian surfer, lost his foot in a shark attack near Kewalo Basin off the coast of Honolulu.
According to officials, an eight-foot tiger shark was responsible for the attack.
Despite being dragged under the waves and the water being ‘red’ with his blood, Morita punched and swore at the predator to survive.
He slipped his arm around the shark and reached for its gills, causing the animal to let him go, and he was able to get away.
Doctors had to amputate Morita’s right foot, but he says he is thankful to be alive.
Surfer’s Encounter with the Shark
On April 9, Morita, a seasoned surfer and ramp serviceman for United Airlines, was attacked shortly before 7 a.m.
while planning to surf before going to an Easter service.
He was lying on his stomach on his board when he felt a bite on his right leg.
Morita said that he knew right away it was a shark and went to God for help.
He repeatedly punched and swore at the animal, which got the attention of other surfers nearby.
The creature pulled Morita underwater and shook him back and forth.
He remembered slipping his arm around the shark and going for its eyes but ended up by the gills.
As soon as he touched the gills, the shark let go.
Rescue and Recovery
Other surfers nearby rushed to help Morita, and they used their board leashes to make a tourniquet and get him safely back to shore.
Doctors had to amputate his right foot, and Morita will have to undergo another surgery.
A GoFundMe page established to cover his medical expenses has already raised over $78,000.
Despite his misfortune, Morita is ‘at peace’ and hopes to surf again one day.
The last time a shark attack was reported in the area was in 2002, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
A Message of Gratitude
Morita expressed gratitude for his friends who helped save his life, despite potentially putting themselves in danger.
He said that the water was red with his blood and that he was at peace, hoping to get back on the board again one day.
Morita’s son Kamu said that his father came face-to-face with the shark, still with his foot in its mouth, and bear hugged it, dug the gills and eyes, and that’s when it finally let go.
Morita’s message is simple: he is thankful to be alive.