8th victim at 2nd Beach

In a press statement, the NSRI said: At approximately 15h00, Saturday, 22nd March, NSRI Port St Johns volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated following reports of a shark incident at 2nd Beach, Port St Johns.

"NSRI Port St Johns volunteer sea rescue duty crew launched sea rescue craft and responded.  They found that the body of a 72 year old man, an Austrian tourist, fatally wounded by a shark, was handed into the care of the SA Police Services at Second Beach and has been handed into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services.

"It appears that the incident occurred while the man was swimming at Second Beach. The deceased man was part of a tour group to the area touring with his wife. Police have opened an inquest docket and the Austrian Consulate and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation are informed.

"The species of shark involved in this incident is not known at this stage.

"NSRI has expressed their sincere condolences."

This is the 8th shark attack at Second Beach in five years.

Commenting on the news item on News24.com, Sibusiso Mcebisi Matinise said: "That used 2 be my favourate beach and people will not stop going there. Government must do something. Wasting money by making a pool at JZ's home was worthless.

Fred Landini said, "Its because all the river systems in the area are silted up or closed, bull sharks congregate to enter the mzimwubu river to spawn, very deep drop off with shallow banks best place to ambush prey, open lake st lucia's mouth and see what a major differance this will make! This attack 90% chance it was a zambizi!'

Luke Garlick said: "My theory is that sharks are attracted to this beach because of its close proximity to the Port St Johns River mouth. This river drains through local settlements that use the river water on a daily basis for drinking water, washing etc. It is also part of their culture to slaughter livestock for food which I'm sure the blood enters the river and eventually makes its way to the sea - obviously diluted but still detectable by sharks with their keen sense of smell.

"I have been to Port St Johns several times. Often after a north-easterly wind has been blowing, the chocolate brown river water gets pushed southwards across the beaches - 1st beach, 2nd beach etc. Sharks, Zambizies/Bulls in particular, thrive in these conditions as they use the dirty water to ambush prey. There is no ways the shark will be able to tell you are not usual prey in that dirty water without biting/attacking you. It is always a case of mistaken identity. It is just unfortunate the initial bite is often fatal and the victim will die from blood loss. Very seldom does the victim go missing (thought to be consumed). As in this case, he was seen floating around the point after the attack.

Luke Garlick said: "My theory is that sharks are attracted to this beach because of its close proximity to the Port St Johns River mouth. This river drains through local settlements that use the river water on a daily basis for drinking water, washing etc. It is also part of their culture to slaughter livestock for food which I'm sure the blood enters the river and eventually makes its way to the sea - obviously diluted but still detectable by sharks with their keen sense of smell.

"I have been to Port St Johns several times. Often after a north-easterly wind has been blowing, the chocolate brown river water gets pushed southwards across the beaches - 1st beach, 2nd beach etc. Sharks, Zambizies/Bulls in particular, thrive in these conditions as they use the dirty water to ambush prey. There is no ways the shark will be able to tell you are not usual prey in that dirty water without biting/attacking you. It is always a case of mistaken identity. It is just unfortunate the initial bite is often fatal and the victim will die from blood loss. Very seldom does the victim go missing (thought to be consumed). As in this case, he was seen floating around the point after the attack.

"As some of you have said, it is a known risk we take entering the ocean. I am an avid surfer and spear fisherman and have had many shark encounters while diving - 99% of the time after I have caught a fish and they look to try take it from me. Yet I will continue to enter the beautiful water world ... always knowing the risk."

Tina-Marie Trevenen said: "I live on a farm near Port St Johns and would not dream of swimming anywhere near those beaches! Tourism has taken a serious knock in the area. Life Guard's are not paid and the public do not listen to them when they are told to get out of the water anyway ... Few months ago the army were training their soldiers by throwing them into the mouth of the river and making them swim back to shore - the mouth of the river is full up with sharks!"