In a tragic incident that has left the diving community in shock, the body of an American woman, Colleen Monfore, 68, from South Dakota, was found inside a shark off the coast of Indonesia. The discovery was made by fishermen in Timor-Leste, approximately 75 miles from where Monfore was last seen diving with her friends. The incident has sparked intense debate about whether she was killed by the shark or if she died from a pre-existing medical condition.
1. Incident Details
Colleen Monfore was diving with her husband, Mike, and six other friends around Pulau Reong island in Indonesia's Alor archipelago on September 26. Strong currents swept her away, and despite an eight-day search by the diving group and local authorities, she was not found until her body was discovered inside a shark in Timor-Leste.
The shark, identified as a tiger shark, was caught by fishermen who noticed it was in obvious distress. Upon inspection, the shark's stomach contained body parts and remnants of Monfore's wetsuit and bathing suit.
2. Investigation and Identification
Authorities are still investigating to confirm whether the body parts belong to Monfore. However, initial reports suggest that fingerprints from the remains have been identified as belonging to her. The Indonesian Embassy in Dili has confirmed the truth of this information, and further investigation is ongoing.
Friends and family of Monfore have disputed claims that she was killed by the shark. Kim Sass, a longtime friend of Monfore's, wrote on Facebook that evidence indicates Monfore likely died from a medical issue rather than an attack by the shark.
Sass pointed out that sharks' stomachs are adapted for rapid digestion with strong acids that break down food into smaller particles. Despite this, Monfore's body and fingerprints were still identifiable, suggesting she did not die weeks ago.
3. Shark Attack Statistics
Shark attacks in Indonesia are extremely rare. According to the Florida Museum, there have only been 11 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks in Indonesia since 1580.
The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols during diving excursions and the potential risks associated with strong currents in the area.
Monfore's husband, Mike, expressed his sadness over the situation, stating that Colleen would have been heartsick to know a shark died because of her and that her death is giving sharks a bad name.
4. Conclusion
The case of Colleen Monfore serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in diving and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. While the exact cause of her death remains under investigation, it underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness in marine environments.
