A surfer in Hawaii was attacked by a shark Friday, and his friends and family say that he had to have his leg removed above the knee as a result, according to the Associated Press.

Colin Cook was surfing off Oahu's North Shore when he was attacked. He also received injuries to his hands as he punched the shark, chasing it away. He then paddled himself to another surfer who brought him to shore, said Chris Webster, Cook's cousin.

The Honolulu Emergency Medical Services Department praised bystanders for their quick action and helping Cook. Rhode Island native John Carper, Cook's friend, helped him out of the water.

Despite what Cook's been through, "He's in good spirits," said Webster.

Another shark attack survivor Braxton Rocha, bitten by a 13-foot tiger shark last month, said that watching this brought back memories of his attack.

"I'm speechless right now," Rocha said, FOX News reported. "I just want to wish him a speedy recovery, and hope he gets back into the water soon. I hope what happened doesn't make him feel any differently towards sharks or the ocean."

Cook, 25, is also a Rhode Island native who moved to Hawaii about three years ago to make custom surfboards, according to USA Today.