Possible great white shark spotted off West Hawaii shores

A reported sighting of a 16-foot great white shark Saturday cleared waters off Pine Trees in North Kona.

Three skin divers reported around noon seeing a great white shark swimming in waters about 50 yards off shore from the Pine Trees surf spot, also known as Kohanaiki, said Hawaii Fire Department West Hawaii Battalion Chief Ty Medieros. They estimated its length at 16 feet, he added.

Fire personnel aboard a county helicopter were unable to locate the shark and therefore were unable to confirm if it was indeed a great white, Medeiros said.

Several oceangoers were cleared from the water, Medeiros said before noting the area was relatively empty of people because of low surf. No injuries were reported and no beach was closed.