German tourist loses arm in suspected shark attack in Hawaii

A GERMAN tourist has lost her arm in a suspected shark attack off Hawaii.

Maui County emergency responders said the woman's right arm was severed below her shoulder Wednesday as she snorkelled about 50 metres off shore.

"She screamed and called for help," said Maui Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

The arm was not found, Mainaga said.

The woman, who is about 20 years old, was helped to shore by two friends and a kayaker. She was unconscious when she reached the beach and was rushed to a hospital.

The woman's friends did not see the attack, and choppy water limited visibility. Mainaga said it is assumed that she was injured by a shark.

The attack was the eighth in Hawaii this year, according to state data, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.

Eleven attacks were reported last year, the most in a dozen years and far above the annual average of 4.75.

The last fatal shark attack in Hawaii was in April 2004.