Scientists Move to Allay Shark Fears

Wed 13 Jan 2010

Shark scientists have moved to allay public fears in the wake of the Fish Hoek shark attack, reports Spike.

The remains of Zimbabwean Lloyd Skinner, 37, remain missing despite ongoing searches today. Eye witness accounts and the rapid spread of Twitter messages led to a torrent of horror stories, some of them based on bizarre religious and other misinformed opinions.

White shark scientist for the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) Alison Kock moved quickly to allay fears that more attacks were imminent, or that sharks were out to consume people. Comments on Twitter after the attack said the remains of the victim were "eaten" after he was "torn apart" by a shark the "size of a dinosaur".

"A shark attack remains rare and an attack of this nature is even more rare. There is no single factor that makes a shark attack a person. There are many. These factors potentially relate to the environment, the day, the person's activity and the shark's activity - all factors that come together and result in an attack.

"Why the shark apparently consumed the person we cannot say for sure. All we do know is that it does not happen regularly. There were numerous shark sightings over the holiday season in False Bay with 1000's of swimmers, surfers, divers in the water. If sharks saw people as food there would be many more attacks and that simply is not the case," said Kock.

She also dismissed suggestions that shark sighting stats had not been released to prevent panic. "This is untrue, and the first time I have heard this. In fact, due to an increase in shark sightings on Friday and Saturday we issued an alert through the NSRI and Cape Town Disaster Management on Sunday for people to be aware of the spike in sightings and be extra vigilant along the False Bay stretch of coastline. And then on the morning BEFORE the attack, another alert was issued using information from Shark Spotters."

According to the head of communications at SOSF Cheryl-Samantha Owen, the search and recovery operation was continuing today. The SOSF research boat was tracking a 3.5 metre female great white shark in the Fish Hoek area. "The research boat, which Alison spends most days on learning more about white sharks, has been out since first light," she wrote.

"Great white sharks are known to appear along the in-shore waters of False Bay during the peak summer months. In January this year 30 sharks have thus far been spotted between Muizenberg and St James."

An article on Wavescape yesterday was flooded with comments, some bordering on the bizarre. Someone called Erik hinted that the shark should be hunted and killed, using quotes from Exodus 21:28 that say: "God will not tolerate the killing of innocent human beings, whether the killers are humans or animals. He will hold them to account at the cost of their blood."

Another called RunD said "Shocking - I hope the poor victim was saved. (ie Accepted what Christ Jesus did on the cross for him)."

A flurry of responses ensued.

"I also hope he was 'saved' dude!" said Andrew D.

Carl retorted: "This guy was not "saved", he was eaten by a huge, beautiful, dangerous animal and is now dead. In case you have not noticed by the state of the world around you, the Bible (or any other religious text) is no guidebook to how one should live. Wavescape is a surfing website, not a soap box for you to canvas support for your imaginary friends. Show a bit of respect, someone has died. Condolences to the family."