MENACED BY SHARK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22046, 28 February 1935, Page 12

MENACED BY SHARK

MAN'S FALL FROM DINGHY MANUKAU FISHING TRIP While fishing from a dinghy attached to the launch Audrey T. off Puponga Point, about three miles inside the Manukau Heads, on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. L. Porter, of Onehunga, was thrown out of the boat when a shark which was on a line held by tho owner of the launch, Mr. M. Thorlev, broke the painter. While Mr. Porter was being assisted to the launch by his companions the shark swam underneath but did not attack him. The party, which consisted of five employees of the Westfiekl Freezing Works, set out in tho morning to fish, for sclmapper. The incident occurred while Mr. Porter was seated in the dinghy which was tied to the launch by a 2in. Manila painter. When tho shark was hooked by Mr. Thorley it attacked the launch and then swam round the stern between the launch and the dinghy. On encountering the painter it .snapped it with a single bite. The sudden release caused the dinghy to lurch and Mr. Porter lost his balance and was thrown out. He could swim a little and made far the launch. Ho stated that when he was being assisted on board his body actually touched the shark which was prevented from attacking him by Mr. Thorley who still hold the line. Mr. Thorley then cut the line, allowing the shark ±o go free. Tho dinghy was recovered and tho party returned to Onehunga. The shark was estimated to bo fully 14ft. in length and Oft. in girth. Another shark, over 10ft. in length, was seen yesterday afternoon off the coal jetty near the Onehunga Wharf. ,