SHARK KILLS SPEAR-FISHERMAN IN OTAGO HARBOUR

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31785, 16 September 1968, Page 1

SHARK KILLS SPEAR-FISHERMAN IN OTAGO HARBOUR

(New Zealand Press Association) DUNEDIN, September 15. A large shark killed an underwater spear-fisherman when he was fishing with four companions at Aramoana, at the entrance to Otago Harbour, about 10.15 a.m. today.

The victim was GRAHAM JOHN HITT, aged 24, single, of 95 Surrey Street, South Dunedin.

The man’s lower limbs were severely mutilated and he is believed to have died within seconds of being brought ashore by his companions. All were members of the Southern Sea Divers’ Club.

It was the third fatal shark attack on the Otago coast since February, 1964. The other two victims were lifesavers. The first, at St Clair, was an early morning attack, and the second, at St Kilda on March 10, 1967, was in the evening. Mr Hitt, a technical officer with the Geological Survey, was studying part-time at Otago University. Seconds before Mr Hitt cried to his companions, “Help me, help me” the dorsal fin of a large shark was seen. The shark, estimated to

be about 14 feet, partly circled the group, and then apparently raced in to attack Mr Hitt. All the men were in the water up to about 30 yards out from the mole at the entrance to the Otago Harbour in an area known as the Spit when the shark attacked. One

was about to climb the rocks out of the water when he heard the cry for help. He leapt back and swatn with the others through the blood-stained water to Mr Hitt’s assistance.

Mr Hitt’s shocked companions refused to discuss the tragedy. They are Bruce Edward Skinner, Colin Stuart Wilson, John Stanley Kirkman, all of Dunedin, and Norman Churchill, of Green Island.

They consider that the shark was a White Pointer, the species identified with two other recent fatalities. Mr Hitt and his companions were wearing wet suits.

The White Pointer, considered one of the most dangerous man-eaters, attacks seals of which there are many in the area. Fishermen think that the shark may have mistaken the spear-fisherman for a group of seals.

Even as Mr Hitt was being brought ashore the shark circled the rescuers, menacingly. Mr Hitt was an experienced underwater fisherman, and had competed in the New Zealand championships. His club, although small, holds many New Zealand records.

THE PHOTOGRAPH shows the scene of the fatality. The buoy at left is part of the net which has been laid off the rocks in an effort to catch the shark.