Injured Tahitian surfer recovering

HONOLULU – Injured Tahitian surfer Tuhiti Haumani has opened his eyes.

Haumani was left unconscious after a horrendous wipeout on Hawai‘i‘s North Shore this week and was rushed to hospital in a coma after being rescued by lifeguards and fellow surfers.

“The state of Tuhiti has improved. He has been able to finally open his eyes and he has heard the voice of his mother. The doctors have said that it was incredible,” a relative told Hawaiian media.

After the wipeout near Pipeline at the end of the Volcom Pipeline Pro 2015, Haumani was between life and death.

He had been pulled out of the water unconscious after it was suspected he struck his surfboard with his head.

After CPR of the beach he was taken to hospital where his state was said to be critical.

Many of the world’s best Pipeline surfers have shared supportive thoughts for Haumani via social media.

Fellow Tahitian surfer Michel Bourez said on Instagram: “Just great news – our friend Tuhiti goes a little better! Now he is trying to open the eyes! He has been fighting for his life since several days! Go bro – we have need of thee here.” - PNC