Loading ...
After the near fatal wounding of pascal Datler, we decided to ask our readers for their opinions on surf safety in Byron bay. It’s too long to explain, lets just say we’...The International Shark Attack File (ISAF)
Posted by: Shari on May 19th, 2009
Smyrna Beach.
Check out this Forbes Traveler story that appeared on 17 May, with links:
North America’s top shark-attack beaches
Apparently our grand fear of “man-eaters” started in 1916 in Jersey, USA: 5 attacks in 11 days – 4 were fatal. But . . . “As Burgess and others point out, death by shark bite is extremely rare. Shark experts cite statistics to show you can swim and surf with nary a worry at almost any beach on the planet. You are not a seal. Sharks do not want to eat you.
Or do they?
The International Shark Attack File (ISAF), which relies on decades of data, cites more than 2,000 fatal encounters.”
Shari.
I think sharks are un-predictable and while some sharks might bite and spit you out from mistake of identity I believe there are definitely stories to back up the belief that some sharks, after an attack, will bite and wait for the victim to bleed to death whilst circling their prey ( to make for an easier feed ). In cases like this for humans, this is a chance for escape. Does that suggest that they like the taste of human flesh?? Not sure but I really hope we are not a favourite dish on their menu.
The problem is that everyone gets caught up on how rare fatal attacks are and only really use those as the stats. When in reality it would be just as horrifying to be attacked and survive with major injuries, loss of legs etc and mental scarring. We tend to put these attacks aside and only concentrate on the deaths.
Even though your chance of being attacked by a shark is quite low we dont relize that they are still everywhere! I go fishing a fair bit, usually off rockshelfs and points and i have pulled in many sharks including baby tigersharks, hammerheads and even a ginigua shark. We just have to be smart on where and when we decide to get our toes wet. Sharks should be respected for they are an awesome creature of the ocean and should be left in peace as it is there home.