SUVA HORROR.
NATIVE TORN BY SHARK. WHEN DIVING FOR COINS. BOTH ARMS AMPUTATED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SUVA, January 2. A terrible struggle between a Fijian diver and a 14ft shark occurred yesterday, Xew Year's Day. A native diver named Laitia was entertaining the passengers on the steamer Moeraki by plunging for silver corns. One of the passengers flung a sixpence some distance beyond the 6pot from which Laitia and other divers had been recovering coins, and Laitia went for 11. He was some time in coming to the surface, and whea he did so it was seen that a big shark of the '"grey nurse" variety had gripped him by the left arm. The shark pulled its victim down, and the diver was shrieking for help as he went under. Another Fijian dived m to Laitia's assistance, and when at last the unfortunate native was pulled into a canoe it was seen that one of his legs was badly torn and that the flesh of both arms had been torn away from wrist to elbow. Laitia was taken to hospital, where it was found necessary to amputate both arms. The prompt application of tourniquets, made of native garments, probably saved the diver's life. The latest news is that his condition remains serious.
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Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 8, 10 January 1929, Page 5
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213SUVA HORROR. Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 8, 10 January 1929, Page 5
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