SHARK’S SAVAGE ATTACK

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1929, Page 11

SHARK’S SAVAGE ATTACK

SYDNEY YOUTH MANGLED PLUCKY STRUGGLE FOR LIFE AWFUL SIGHT WITNESSED By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 10.20 p.m. Sydney, Dec. 26. A 12-foot shark to-day killed William Oakley, aged 1?, near the Bald Rock ferry wharf, Balmain, a quiet spot where wheat ghips load from the silos for overseas ports and much frequented lately by local youths for a quiet, swim. Oakley had a dip with three companions. He came out and said he would have another. “I will make it enappy as wo must catch the launch soon,’.’ he added, referring to an outing to which the party was going. He dived and swam for a time quietly a few yards out. Then he disappeared, but no notice was taken as the others thought he was fooling them. Oakley came to the surface with a cry of anguish and the onlookers were horrified to see the water stained red, while Oakley tried to beat oft' the shark, which wae attacking him from below till he was dragged down. He came up again struggling, and the watchers saw the monster make another rush at the boy, snapping at his head. It then disappeared in the direction of the open harbour. •Despite evident agony Oakley swam to the nearest launch, no boat being available to go to him. When he was lifted out of the water his friends were horrified to oec hie left arm torn off, his chest gashed and his right thigh frightfully mangled. An ambulance man attempted to give aid, but the boy eaid, “I’m done; he got pie good,” and died.