WAIEHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A 61-year-old surfer was critically injured in a shark attack in waters off Waiehu Beach Park Friday morning, Maui police said.

Loved ones identified him as “Kenji” and are raising money to help with his recovery.

The incident happened shortly after 7 a.m. at a surf spot known as “Sandpiles.” Friends of the surfer said that he is a regular there.

Sources said he was sitting on his board when the shark swam up and bit his leg.

Witnesses who heard the victim’s screams said other surfers helped him swim back to shore.

“I heard this yell and I looked, and all of a sudden I just seen him splash, and I don’t know what was happening,” said witness David Basques.

“He swam himself back maybe more than half the way and then I seen somebody jump in and they went bring him inside.”

MPD said officers applied a tourniquet to the surfer’s leg before medics and fire personnel arrived. First responders confirmed the victim’s leg was completely severed just below the knee.

“I would like to commend the patient for his strength and wherewithal, getting himself to shore. I mean, that’s extraordinary. Whatever Good Samaritans offered assistance, I’d like to commend them as well,” said Maui Fire Department Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea.

“Maui Police Department for their quick action applying two combat application tourniquets to the patient’s leg. That action is often the difference between life and death and of course our own personnel and American Medical Response for the professional services.”

The victim remains hospitalized at Maui Memorial Medical Center.

According to his GoFundMe page, immediately out of surgery, Kenji said in the ICU, “I still love the ocean!”

Officials have closed off the beach park and lifeguards are patrolling the waters.

Beachgoers are asked stay out of the water from Paukukalo to Waihee until further notice.