MAHA'ULEPU — An adult female monk seal on Monday injured a 28-year-old woman visitor from Kirkland, Wash.

A Kaua'i County news release said the attack took place at around 4:43 p.m. at Maha'ulepu Beach on the south shore.

The woman had been snorkeling with a friend when the current sent her adrift into an area where several monk seals, including an adult female and a pup, were swimming.

Apparently, the seal felt threatened by the snorkeler and attacked her, the release says.

The snorkeler suffered superficial injuries. She and her friend got out of the water and were seeking medical assistance when they came upon lifeguards from Po'ipu in their rescue truck.

The lifeguards performed first aid on the woman until firefighters from the Kalaheo station and medics arrived and took over treating the victim.

The woman was taken to Wilcox Memorial Hospital for further treatment.