On October 31, 2003, 13-year-old surfer Bethany Hamilton was attacked by a shark while surfing off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii. The incident resulted in the loss of her left arm and sparked public concern about the presence of a large predator near popular surf spots. Local authorities and the community focused on identifying and locating the specific animal responsible. The fate of this animal, a large Tiger Shark, is a subject of ongoing interest for those following her survival and subsequent professional surfing career.
Context of the Attack and Identification
The attack occurred early in the morning at Tunnels Beach, near Haena, while Hamilton was lying on her surfboard with her arm dangling in the water. The immediate evidence left at the scene was a massive, crescent-shaped piece bitten out of her surfboard, measuring approximately 16 to 18 inches across. The nature of the bite, which severed her arm cleanly just below the shoulder, pointed toward a large shark species.
Forensic analysis of the bite pattern on the fiberglass board allowed experts to quickly identify the attacker as a Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). The size of the missing section suggested the shark was a large specimen, with initial estimates placing its length between 12 and 15 feet. Tiger Sharks are known for their broad, serrated teeth and powerful bite, adapted for consuming large prey like sea turtles.
The Capture and Confirmation
In the days immediately following the attack, the community searched for the aggressive shark, which locals believed had been “cruising” the surf line-ups for weeks. Less than two days after the incident, local fishermen, including Bill Hamilton (no relation to Bethany) and Ralph Young, caught a large female Tiger Shark approximately one mile from the attack site. It measured about 13 feet, 6 inches long, and notably had a ragged dorsal fin, which some locals had previously observed.
The most compelling evidence linking this specific animal to the attack came from a forensic comparison of its jaws to the damaged surfboard. Hawaiian Fish and Game forensic team members carefully compared the teeth of the captured shark with the semicircular bite imprint on Bethany’s board. The size and spacing of the teeth were found to be a perfect match for the impression left on the surfboard, officially confirming it was the animal responsible.
The Final Disposition of the Specimen
After the forensic confirmation, the captured Tiger Shark was not preserved whole. The shark was reportedly butchered offshore, away from public view, to prevent a spectacle. There were no remains of Hamilton’s arm or other personal items found inside the shark. Experts suggested this was likely due to the animal having regurgitated the indigestible fiberglass and foam from the surfboard.
The jaws and teeth were removed and preserved for evidence and formal identification by authorities. A section of the shark’s striped skin was also saved and reportedly given to a local Hawaiian priest for ceremonial purposes. The preserved jaws were eventually given to the Hamilton family and have occasionally been displayed as part of the evidence and story of survival.