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Surfer in critical condition after Hawaii shark attack

By Amy R. Connolly

OAHU, Hawaii, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- A 25-year-old surfer is in critical condition after a shark attacked and possibly severed his lower leg Friday.

Colin Cook was sitting on his surfboard in the waters off Leftovers Beach Park, a popular surfing spot on Oahu's north shore, when a shark latched onto his left leg. Witnesses said Cook also lost some fingers as he tried to fight off the shark. The shark was reported to be between 10- and 12-feet long.

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Two people who helped Cook to shore said they put a tourniquet on his leg to stop the bleeding as they waited for emergency workers. He was taken to a Honolulu hospital, where he underwent surgery.

Lifeguards warned people out of the waters after the attack and a fire department helicopter flew over the area. If confirmed, it would be the fifth shark attack in Hawaii waters this year.

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