Marine conservationist continues recovery after shark bites thigh on the Big Island
By KITV Staff
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HAWAII COUNTY, Hawaii (KITV) — A marine conservationist is continuing his recovery journey after he was bitten by a shark in waters off the Big Island.
Kaimani Ventura tried to free a reef shark during a routine dive on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The shark was tangled in netting and fishing line, but right as they freed the sea animal, Ventura said the shark got spooked and latched onto his left thigh.
Ventura got loose, swam back to shore and put a tourniquet on himself, using his own gear. The bite left him with 90 stitches.
“I got insanely lucky,” Ventura shared. “You guys don’t understand how lucky I got. I honestly believe that I got bit in the most, luckiest spot to get bit by a shark on my body. Anywhere else could have been life altering, and that’s that was, that’s thanks to God.”
Ventura said despite his encounter in the water, he will still continue to do his part to take care of our ocean creatures. He also plans to return to the ocean after he heals up.
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