A FIGHT WITH SHARKS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1964, 2 November 1889, Page 4

A FIGHT WITH SHARKS.

Sydney, Oct. 22. A strange and awful sight was witnessed off Bradley Head by Messrs Edmonds, Riley, and T, Punch. These gentlemen were out rowing for exercise, and when passing between Clark Island and Bradley’s Head they., noticed several immense sharks disporting themselves on the surface of the water. Upon approaching nearer it was found that a female body was floating at the spot where the sea monsters were. The party pulled towards the body, but their adyancb was checked by the sharks, which immediately turned, and, facing the boat, made several rushes at them. The would-be rescuers thou drew off some rlittie distance, and were the witnesses of one ef the strangest sights which could possibly be The sea wolves appeared to be playing with the body, as at short intervals they would rush with terrific velocity towards it and diving under it throw it clear out of the water, and upon its falling back would turn it over and over. The party in the boat signalled to a small steam launch, and the latter bore up and proceeded to get the body. Their efforts were futile, however, as the sharks faced and prevented them getting near it. Continued rushes were made at the launch, and in such a manner that it was deemed prudent to stand off. The boating party then proceeded to the city and informed the water police, who immediately made their way to the spot and, after considerable, personal risk, succeeded in getting the body. The body ©f . the unfortunate girl, which has since been identified by the parents ] as Mary Fahey, one of the victims of the boat accident on Eight Hours Day, presented a shocking appearance when relieved of the clothing in the morgue. The left arm was missing and the other was very much mutilated. Other por-; tions of the body were bruised and knocked about. When in the act of securing the body one of the voracious, monsters seized hold of it and tore the left arm from the shoulder. The sharks folio wed; the boat for some dis-j tance when the 1 body was being con- ! yeyed to the quay.