Torn to Pieces by a Shark.

Hastings Standard, Issue 202, 21 December 1896, Page 3

Torn to Pieces by a Shark.

HORRIBLE DEATH OF A RUXIiOLbKK. PLUCKY ATT KM PT AT UIvSCCr.. 'Fi:om Ova Own Coni«:-:si>oxi>KX7.] Nai'iku, This day. Marine Parade yesterday morning was the scene of the most, shocking case of death that lms been recorded amongst us, and the thrilling particulars have been sullicient to horrify the community. It is a usual thing for numbers of men and boys to indulge in a dip in the briny from different parts, and Sunday saw a somewhat larger crowd in consequence of the closeness of the atmosphere. A party consisting of I)r Sweet and Messrs Cooper and Cloudy went in almost opposite the Esplanade Hotel, and Cooper, being a splendid swimmer, had gone somewhat further out than his companions and was besporting himself in the water. On the return of his companions to the shore their attention was' attracted by some boys, who pointed out a shark making towards Cooper. The boys were throwing stones at the monster, which is variously estimated at from 12ft. to loft, long, and shouting to the man in the water, but it would seem that he was unaware of the danger that threatened him. In an instant the tins of the shark were seen above water, and from the commotion in the vicinity of the man it was evident thai terrible execution was being done. The bloodstained water an instant later continued this impression. I)r Sweet and Mr Goudy, on perceiving their companion's dangerous position, immediately sprang into the w;iter ;i»d made for him, at the same time beckoning to other bathers in the vicinity. Cooper was only about :!() yards from the shore when attaek' d, and his two friends, with the assistance of Messrs Trig<*s and Saxby. brought the body to land, when it was discovered that poor Cooper had sustained frightful laceration, and died without uttering a sound. The right hand to the wrist and the left arm to the elbow were bitten otf ; the left shoulder was very badly bitten : there was a terrible gash over* the heart : the left loin was partly bitten away : the right side was also very much gashed, and there were other portions of the body which bore testimony to the serious onslaught of the monster. The body was conveyed to the Esplanade Hotel. The men who went to the rescue of Cooper deserve the highest praise when it is considered the danger to which they subjected themselves, mid it is recorded by an eye-witness that the shark followed the men until close in land. Mr Bright Cooper, part proprietor of the Ardlussa run, was about !iO years of age, and was bom in England. He was a tine athletic young man, and had been very successful at Home in swimming contests, and quite recently at Napier won iirst prize for an exhibition of swimming. Many wreaths were sent to the hotel during the day, testifying to the good opinion of those with whom he was acquainted. An inquest was held at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, and, after hearing the evidence of Dr Sweet and Mr Francis Triggs. which the jury deemed to be sufficient, a verdict that deceased died from injuries inflicted by a sharkwas returned. The jury added a rider expressive of sympathy with deceased's friends, and also directing the attention of the Minister of Justice to the plucky action of Dr Sweet, Messrs Goudy, Saxby, and Triggs. Owing to the'mutilated manner of the body it was deemed advisable to hold the funeral as soon as possible, and the remains were interred at G.BO this morning, there being a good number of friends and sympathisers present.