Scientists Move to Allay Shark Fears

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

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

"A shark attack remains rare and an attack of this nature is evenmore rare. There is no single factor that makes a shark attack aperson. There are many. These factors potentially relate to theenvironment, 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 forsure. All we do know is that it does not happen regularly. There werenumerous shark sightings over the holiday season in False Bay with1000's of swimmers, surfers, divers in the water. If sharks saw peopleas food there would be many more attacks and that simply is not thecase," said Kock.

She also dismissed suggestions that shark sighting stats had notbeen 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 issuedan alert through the NSRI and Cape Town Disaster Management on Sundayfor people to be aware of the spike in sightings and be extra vigilantalong the False Bay stretch of coastline. And then on the morningBEFORE the attack, another alert was issued using information fromShark Spotters."

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

"Great white sharks are known to appear along the in-shore waters ofFalse Bay during the peak summer months. In January this year 30 sharkshave 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 theshark should be hunted and killed, using quotes from Exodus 21:28 thatsay: "God will not tolerate the killing of innocent human beings,whether the killers are humans or animals. He will hold them to accountat the cost of their blood."

Another called RunD said "Shocking - I hope the poor victim wassaved. (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 waseaten by a huge, beautiful, dangerous animal and is now dead. In caseyou 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 canvassupport for your imaginary friends. Show a bit of respect, someone hasdied. Condolences to the family."