Hawaii woman killed in shark attack; sightings in California beach

KIHEI , Hawaii, April 30 (UPI) -- A Hawaii woman snorkeling off the Maui shore was killed in an apparent shark attack Wednesday, prompting officials to close some beaches. About the same time, officials posted warnings at a Southern California beach after shark sightings.

The 65-year-old woman, who was not further identified, was snorkeling with friends at a surf spot known as "Dumps." She was separated from her friends in the water and was later found floating face down. She suffered severe injuries to her upper torso, officials said.

Several miles of beach area on the south shore of Maui, from La Perouse Bay to Big Beach and from Makena and Kihei were closed during the investigation. This is the third fatal shark attack near Makena since 2013.

About the same time, officials posted warnings at Southern California's Seal Beach after two five- to six-foot sharks were spotted. Marine Safety Department chief Joe Bailey told KTLA the sharks were not aggressive.

"They're moving around slowly and they're not circling people. They're not bumping people," he said.