Couple recounts close encounter with shark while kayaking
A Maui couple is speaking out after fending off a tiger shark while kayaking in Hawaii.
Cheslei Akima and Alika Dickerson said they were kayaking about a mile off the coast of Olowalu on the western shore of Maui when the recent incident unfolded.
"[It was] one of the scariest things of our lives," Akima said. "We thought we were gonna flip."
"It was either me or the shark or us or the shark," Dickerson added.
Akima and Dickerson said while they were kayaking, they suddenly saw something emerge from the ocean.
"I could see the fin and then he came right at us, hit the kayak," Akima said.
The couple said they think the shark who was near them was likely a tiger shark because it had light gray stripes and looked longer than their 12-foot kayak, both features of the apex predator, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"I was like, 'Oh, my God, it's a tiger.' I'm just like, holding on to my seat, trying not to even look at it," Akima said.
The State of Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources notes that tiger sharks are "considered the most dangerous sharks in Hawaiian waters" due to their large size and feeding habits as the sharks on the "very top niche in inshore feeding relationships."
During their encounter, the couple said the shark grabbed their kayak and shook it violently.
"I was just immediately holding on for dear life," said Akima.
"When it first hit the kayak, I didn't even know it. We were just splashing back and forth and then I looked and he's just holding on to the kayak," Dickerson recounted.
Akima and Dickerson said after they made it back to shore, they noticed bite marks on the side of their kayak.
"We were just hoping there wasn't a hole under it," Akima said.
The couple said the experience won't prevent them from heading out into the water but they will be more aware of their surroundings in its aftermath.
"I'm just more like, on alert now." Akima added.
To stay safe from tiger shark threats, the Hawaii DAR recommends these safety tips:
- Swim, surf, or dive with other people, and don’t move too far away from assistance.
- Stay out of the water at dawn, dusk and night, when some species of sharks may move inshore to feed. But be aware that tiger sharks are known to bite people at all times of the day.
- Do not enter the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding in any way. Sharks can detect blood and body fluids in extremely small concentrations.
- Avoid murky waters, harbor entrances and areas near stream mouths (especially after heavy rains), channels, or steep dropoffs. These types of waters are known to be frequented by sharks.
- Do not wear high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry. Sharks see contrast very well.
- Refrain from excessive splashing. Keep pets, which swim erratically, out of the water. Sharks are known to be attracted to such activity.
- Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present, and leave the water quickly and calmly if one is sighted. Do not provoke or harass a shark, even a small one.
- If fish or turtles start to behave erratically, leave the water. Be alert to the presence of dolphins, as they are prey for some large sharks.
- Remove speared fish from the water or tow them a safe distance behind you. Do not swim near people fishing or spearfishing. Stay away from dead animals in the water.
- Swim or surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards and follow their advice.
