Hawaii fisherman survives shark attack, performs own lifesaving care

A Hawaii fisherman speaks out after a shocking encounter in the water that left him fighting for his life – and relying on instincts he never imagined he would use.

The 22-year-old diver says what started as a routine day in the ocean suddenly took a violent turn when he discovered a shark tangled in a fishing net – a moment he describes as the split second that changed everything.

Josiah Kaimani Ventura, a commercial fisherman, told Fox News Digital that he was cave diving for a rare species of fish when he surfaced and noticed the shark struggling in the net.

“Everyone in Hawaii wants to help, that’s our kuleana,” he said, referring to the cultural responsibility to care for the ocean. “That’s all I was trying to do.”

BEACH BLISS GETS CHAOTIC AS SHARK LUNCHES ON SNORKELER: ‘HE COULD HAVE REPEATED MY ARM’

Alone on the beach, Ventura told Fox News Digital that he used his wetsuit to create a tourniquet that saved his life. (Josiah Kaimani Ventura)

But as it got closer, the shark broke free with a start.

“It just lunged and latched onto my thigh,” he said. “No warning. One second it was calm, the next it had me.”

The force of the bite sent shock waves through his leg. Even though blood was flowing into the water around him, Kaimani Ventura refused to look at the wound.

GREAT WHITE SHARK SIGHTINGS INCREASE ALONG NORTHEAST BEACHES IN LATE SUMMER

Doctors closed Ventura’s wound with 70 staples and 90 stitches after the attack. (Josiah Kaimani Ventura)

“I’m a nauseous person,” he said. “If I looked, I knew I would pass out. The only thing on my mind was: reach the shore and breathe.”

He swam nearly 40 meters toward the shallows, crossing what he described as “clouds of blood” that were spreading around him. When he finally reached water shallow enough to stand on, he risked a glance at his leg.

“I saw everything inside,” he said. “That should have been the moment I passed out and died.”

FLORIDA BEACHES CLAIM 9 OF TOP 10 SPOTS FOR MOST SHARK ATTACKS IN AMERICA, NEW STUDY SHOWS

Instead, adrenaline and what he sees as divine intervention kept him going.

Alone on the shore, with his friends still far behind, Kaimani Ventura forced himself back onto the beach and began carrying out rescue measures himself. He tore the fabric from his suit, applied double compression to the wound, then tightened his own tourniquet.

“Thank God he kept my mind clear,” he said. “I shouldn’t have been able to do all that.”

Wife of ex-NBA star bitten by shark in Puerto Rico

Josiah Kaimani Ventura shows off the scars left after surviving a shark attack. (Josiah Kaimani Ventura)

Instead of calling 911, the first person he called was his mother.

“I knew I had to hear his voice,” he said. “At first, she panicked and I had to hang up. When I called back, she pulled herself together like moms do. She helped me stay calm.”

It took nearly 20 minutes before an ambulance was called and another 45 minutes of off-road driving before Josiah was able to meet first responders on a main road.

“SHARKS DON’T DO ANYTHING TO YOU”: AN UNDERWATER FISHERMAN FROM FLORIDA ATTACKED BY A SHARK MINUTES AFTER REASSURING HIS FAMILY

Paramedics removed his makeshift tourniquet and applied theirs before rushing him to Kona Community Hospital, where surgeons closed the massive bite wound with 70 staples and 90 stitches.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) confirmed to Fox News Digital that they are aware of the incident and are investigating the matter.

Even after surviving a shark attack that could easily have been fatal, Kaimani Ventura said her respect for the ocean hasn’t changed and neither has her way of life.

MASSIVE 14-FOOT SHARK DIES AFTER BEING WASHED ON MASSACHUSETTS BEACH DURING MIGRATION

Fisherman Josiah Kaimani Ventura said he would return to the ocean once he recovered, despite the near-fatal encounter. (Josiah Kaimani Ventura)

“Personally, I haven’t learned my lesson,” he said with a laugh. “I’ll always be in the water. That’s who I am.”

But he has a message for others.

“To anyone at home, don’t do what I did,” he said. “If you see an injured or entangled animal, especially an apex predator, document and report it. Let NOAA or wildlife officials handle it.”

13-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO LOST LEG IN SHARK ATTACK SHARES MIRACULOUS SURVIVAL STORY: “THE LORD GAVE ME STRENGTH”

Kaimani Ventura works four physically demanding jobs: commercial fishing, construction, landscaping and caregiving, all roles he won’t be able to return to for at least six months. He nevertheless considers himself lucky.

“Praise God, I left with a scar and a memory, not as a victim,” he said. “I was lucky. Really lucky. Others might not be. So if my story helps someone make the safest decision, it’s worth it.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Despite everything, he is already looking towards the future.

“I will return to action as if nothing happened,” he said. “The ocean is my home. I’m not done yet.”

Stepheny Price covers crime including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.