Researchers Identify Details of Fatal Shark Attack at Honolua Bay

A few days ago we reported the tragic death of Robin Warren, a surfer who was bitten by a shark in Honolulu Bay. That same incident has relocated the remaining rounds of the Maui Pro to Pipeline.

After running some DNA test, scientists at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology have identified it as a bite from a 14 foot tiger shark. Researcher Derek Kraft said, “It tells you the percentage match to the reference samples, and we got 100% match on several, several hits.”

Hawaii News Now reported:

The team can confirm the exact species & size, but it would take a more complicated test called DNA fingerprinting to possibly find the exact shark involved in the attack.

“They have used this technology with bears actually, up in Alaska,” Kraft said. “When there’s bear attacks on people. So the technology exists. We just haven’t applied it to sharks yet.”

The empty lineup the last few days has certainly created an ominous feeling at Honolua Bay. We send our condolences to Warren’s family and friends.