Hawaii Fisherman Survives Near-Fatal Shark Attack Using Own Lifesaving Skills
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A routine dive turned into a harrowing fight for survival when 22-year-old commercial fisherman Josiah Kaimani Ventura encountered a shark tangled in a fishing net off the Hawaiian coast. Attempting to free the distressed predator, Ventura was suddenly attacked, sustaining a severe bite to his thigh that required 90 stitches and 70 staples to close. Yet, it was his own quick thinking, cultural instincts, and improvised first aid that ultimately saved his life.
Ventura was diving inside a sea cave searching for a rare fish species when he surfaced and noticed the shark ensnared in netting. “Everyone in Hawaii wants to help — it’s our kuleana,” he told Fox News Digital, referencing the deep-rooted Hawaiian responsibility to care for the ocean. “That’s all I was trying to do.” But as he approached, the shark broke free and lunged, clamping down on his leg without warning.
Despite the shock and the blood clouding the water, Ventura refused to look at the wound, fearing he might lose consciousness. “I’m a queasy person,” he said, “If I looked, I knew I’d black out. The only thing in my mind was: Get to shore and breathe.” He swam nearly 40 yards toward the shallows, pushing through the spreading blood until he reached water shallow enough to stand.
Once ashore and alone, with his friends still behind, Ventura tore fabric from his wetsuit to create a tourniquet and applied double compression to stem the bleeding. “Thank God He kept my mind clear,” Ventura said, crediting divine intervention for his composure. Rather than calling 911 immediately, he first reached out to his mother, needing to hear her voice in the crisis.
Medical professionals later treated Ventura’s wound, which required extensive stitching and staples. His survival underscores the importance of knowing basic first aid, especially in remote or hazardous environments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends immediate pressure application and tourniquet use in severe shark bite cases to control bleeding.
Experts note that shark encounters, while rare, can escalate quickly. Dr. Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research, emphasizes the need for caution and preparedness when entering shark habitats. Recent years have seen an uptick in shark sightings along U.S. coastlines, including Hawaii, prompting increased public awareness campaigns by agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Ventura’s story also highlights the cultural connection Hawaiians maintain with the ocean. The concept of kuleana embodies a shared responsibility to protect and respect marine life, even when it entails personal risk. His attempt to free the shark reflects this ethos.
As shark activity continues to draw attention nationwide, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Shark Attack Research program tracks incidents and advises on safety measures. Ventura’s survival is a testament to both human resilience and the critical role of preparedness in ocean safety.
Josiah Kaimani Ventura’s dramatic rescue serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable dangers lurking beneath the waves and the life-saving power of courage, knowledge, and cultural respect for the sea.
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