Two Shark Attacks Out Of Pattern

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30955, 11 January 1966, Page 1

Two Shark Attacks Out Of Pattern

(New Zealand Press Association > WELLINGTON, January 10. New Zealand’s two deaths from shark attack in less than a year do not seem to be following the world pattern, which shows that attacks occur in water temperatures of 70 degrees and above.

Dr. J. A. F. Garrick, associate professor of zoology at Victoria University of Wellington, said today that both attacks were unusual.

“I do not think the temperatures could have been in the seventies,” he said.

“Sharks are in New Zealand waters every summer, and usually they are happy to feed on small fish and squid. For some reason, and there are many theories about this, the sharks find that fish are just not enough.”

Dr Garrick said that deaths from shark attack in New Zea-| land were comparatively low —there have been only six re-; corded deaths in New Zealand waters since 1850. “In the northern waters the sharks are there all the year round, but there seems to be

no explanation why they; should be so close inshore ini temperatures which are lower, than 70 degrees,” Dr. Garrick | said. “The most common sharks; in New Zealand waters are the bronze whaler and the white pointer, and both must be included as possible attackers. “There is no way of knowing which shark caused the death unless the shark is caught,” said Dr. Garrick. He added that there was no predictable reason why a shark should attack. Among suggestions had been colour or smell.

ibut no-one really knew why! certain persons were attacked.' | The latest death occurred! on Saturday at Oakura beach! -when Rae Marion Keightley,! aged 14. of New Plymouth,! 'was mauled. ■ In February last year, a j shark k’ < !< -at I I Clair surfer. Leslie Francis! I Jordan, who was a law stud-i lent at Otago University. He! I was swimming about 250; yards from the shore when!

the shark attacked. One leg| was severed above the knee.; I That death was considered! the most southerly in the! world Before it occurred, the! last report of death by shark; attack in the area was in 1907.! when a Dunedin man was I killed at Moeraki, 10 miles! south of Oamaru. Dr. Garrick said he believed that sharks could appear at Wellington beaches during the summer, though the present temperatures of the water would not encourage them inshore.

“My advice to swimmers is not to swim alone and not to become separated from their companions,” he said. "If sharks are seen, don’t panic, but get out of the water as quickly and quietly as possible." The death at Oakura has prompted the Water Safety Council to seek to establish a uniform system of shark warning at all beaches.

j The chairman of the coun|ci] (Mr E. C. Marris) said today the question had been I considered by the council many times in the last 18) months I The matter will be discuss-; Jed at the next meeting of the! council in February. At present the main shark • warning is a red-and-white ; flag flving on the beach. The flag means that the patrolling ’ surf club has seen, or been ■ notified, of a shark in the area.