SHARKS TAKE A HAND IN GREAT SEA BATTLE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6863, 19 March 1929, Page 3

SHARKS TAKE A HAND IN GREAT SEA BATTLE

FOUR KILLERS ATTACK 15-FOOT . WHALE. Bathers at Dccwhy Beach early one morning recently, says the .Sydney Morning Herald, witnessed, a short distance from the shore, a thrilling battle between a 15-foot whale and four killers. The attention of the bathers, chiefly members of the Deewby Life-Saving Club, was attracted by a commotion in the water about 50 yards from tho shore. Above the roll of the breakers could be seen the dim outline of some huge monster floundering about, apparently engaged in a desperate struggle. Gradually the monster came nearer to the shore. It was found to be a young whale. Four killers were noticed in close attendance. They made fierce attacks on the whale, and the water was blood-stained for some distance around. Shortly afterwards the whole floundered into shallow water, and became stranded. Sharks then attacked it, and as they held a decided advantage over their victim, they caused terrible injuries. lu the meantime the Jifesavers had communicated with tho zoo authorities, and it had been arranged that they should endeavour to capture the whale alive for exhibition iu the aquarium. Instructions as to tho best means of landing the whale were given by the authorities, who promised to send a large tank to -the beach for tho conveyance of the monster to the Zoological Gardens. A rope was made fast to tho whale’s tail, and it was pulled up ou to the beach. The whale, however, died soon afterwards. Realising that sharks were probably still near the beach, a man cut a piece of flesh from the wlmle, and used it for bait on a shark line. Shortly afterwards ho hooked one of the monsters. A further thrilling struggle was witnessed, but some time later a shark about 10ft. long was landed. When the tank arrived from the zoo the shark, instead of the whale, was placed in it, and was taken back to the aquarium.