Shark Attack Victim Is On Life Support As Condition Deteriorates

The German tourist who’s arm was bitten off in a shark attack in Hawaii last week is on life support as her condition has worsen.

Jana Lutteropp from Germany lost her arm while snorkeling off the coast of Maui and the prognosis is not good. Carol Clark, Maui Memorial Medical Center’s spokesperson, made the announcement on Monday.

This news comes one day after another swimmer suffered leg injuries when they were attacked by a shark on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the waters along the Pohoiki coastline immediately after the attack took place.

Lutteropp’s attack occurred on Wednesday at around 5 pm when she was snorkeling on Palauea Beach just 150 feet from shore.

The resort community of Makena reopened after lifeguards deemed the waters safe for swimmers. It was reported that at the time of the attack the visibility was poor and waters were choppy.

The shark attack severed the young woman’s arm below the shoulder and was not recovered by divers who suspect the shark swallowed it. It is not clear why the animal attacked Lutteropp.

.A California high school teacher jumped in to help her when her and other beach goers heard her scream. They brought her to shore by placing her on a kayak.

Investigators do not know what kind of shark attacked Lutteropp, and they say witnesses did not see the shark after the attack.

On Sunday, a 16-year-old swimmer suffered severe injuries to both legs after another shark attack, this time on Hapuna beach, on the Big Island after that attack.

Lutteropp’s family has requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult time as the condition of the 20-year-old woman is deteriorating.

Shark attacks are not unheard of in Maui. In 2012 there were 11 reported attacks, compared to six so far in 2013, not including the attack on Lutteropp.