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Shark attack at Cobblestones , Gracetown

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Created by esoom > 9 months ago, 16 Apr 2018
Razzonater
2224 posts
18 Apr 2018 12:51PM
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Couple points of interest.
faaark the Brazilians the next comp is in Brazil and after there big sooky post on insta, now gets the yellow jersey at home and stays in front.
prettylucky considering they were looking at surfing against jack Robinson next heat. ( who would of kicked there asses absolutely)
So by dramatically broadcasting it the wsl is really obliged to cancel.
The comp brings in 5 million every year into the local area, that's not to count the coverage and tourism advertising on top........
personally I think it's gotten way way to crowded down there in the last 5-8 years so I hope less people come, growth isn't always good......

but for all the business owners and tourism operators it's hard hard yakka.
It has now been televised across the world that it is too unsafe to have a surf comp here, they are still saying they will be back next year but let's wait n see.
both surfers are extremely lucky to have survived, it is highly likely that the shark had been well fed from all the whale and these were more inquisitive bites than ones of hunger.
generally after feeding on whale sharks like to mate.
so these two guys really received "love bites"
For those of you still going on about mistaken identity etc , let's look at how the same shark attacked two people...... after the first person and board there was little or no doubt what the second human was.
This is most likely the same shark that got brad smith near on a decade ago............... and what have we done?????let it get three or four more people in the past 5 years......
you can jam your shark shields and buzz boxes up where the sun don't shine.
Again targeted fishing of problematic fish in areas is fishing not culling it needs to be done and that's it.
no more hippy bull ship

DARTH
WA, 3028 posts
18 Apr 2018 3:08PM
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Razzonater said..
Couple points of interest.
faaark the Brazilians the next comp is in Brazil and after there big sooky post on insta, now gets the yellow jersey at home and stays in front.
prettylucky considering they were looking at surfing against jack Robinson next heat. ( who would of kicked there asses absolutely)
So by dramatically broadcasting it the wsl is really obliged to cancel.
The comp brings in 5 million every year into the local area, that's not to count the coverage and tourism advertising on top........
personally I think it's gotten way way to crowded down there in the last 5-8 years so I hope less people come, growth isn't always good......

but for all the business owners and tourism operators it's hard hard yakka.
It has now been televised across the world that it is too unsafe to have a surf comp here, they are still saying they will be back next year but let's wait n see.
both surfers are extremely lucky to have survived, it is highly likely that the shark had been well fed from all the whale and these were more inquisitive bites than ones of hunger.
generally after feeding on whale sharks like to mate.
so these two guys really received "love bites"
For those of you still going on about mistaken identity etc , let's look at how the same shark attacked two people...... after the first person and board there was little or no doubt what the second human was.
This is most likely the same shark that got brad smith near on a decade ago............... and what have we done?????let it get three or four more people in the past 5 years......
you can jam your shark shields and buzz boxes up where the sun don't shine.
Again targeted fishing of problematic fish in areas is fishing not culling it needs to be done and that's it.
no more hippy bull ship


http://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2018/04/18/margaret-river-pro-cancelled

jbshack
WA, 6913 posts
18 Apr 2018 5:04PM
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Select to expand quote
Bara said..

JulianRoss said..
Just thinking out loud here..
Would the event have been cancelled because of the first attack if there hadn't been a second. If not, then was the second attack/ incident the impetus for the cancellation.
So in relation to the second incident, was the guy paddling out when there was known shark activity (see Nth Scb post above), either:
1 a protester bent on cancelling the corporate funded competition
2 an anode like sentinal, in that he would keep the shark away from the competition, and therefore aiming to keep the comp going?
Hero or villian?
Either way, a speedy recovery to 2 pretty lucky (they survived) and unlucky (they got bit) surfers.



the event was cancelled due to ongoing shark activity on top of these 2 quick fire attacks. the alerts are pinging like crazy with sightings last 48 hours. ie it wasnt looking like getting any better.

the 2nd guy reckons he didnt know till he paddled out and thats entirely possible. if you dont check your mobile its pretty easy to do and he doesnt look like he even owns one! I told plenty out the back further south around 5 to 6 hours after the first attack who didnt know about it and no one knew about a whale carcass till pretty late in the day

Inadvertently or not if the cancelled pro jolts some action from McClowan then that 2nd bloke is a bloody hero in my book!


Signs on the beach, apparently DPAW on the beach and he was told to exit the water by fishes from their boat. The other went in and he caught a wave, then paddled back out.

I think he knew..

jbshack
WA, 6913 posts
18 Apr 2018 5:08PM
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Kerr-e said..

Greenroom said..



oz surf said..










Thanks for your informed perspective Greenroom.

On a slightly different tack, does anyone have updates on the progress of independent testing for units other than the Freedom 7? The government rebate program was introduced to protect both Divers and Surfers, but it is only the device for Divers which is presently covered.


Currently the only surf unit being that has had any "Independent" testing is the RPELA. The NSW government paid for it, Chiilie wax, i think the magnet wrist thing and some spray. The shark shield version had some testing completed at the same time, but it won't be independent..

Just waiting for results to be released. But why not just go talk directly to Dave at Rpela (Katana surfboards) and get the low down..

NthScb
WA, 73 posts
18 Apr 2018 5:49PM
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I want to provide some of the facts in relation to the second attack as I was standing on the beach and saw the entire thing.

The guy said that he didn't know about the previous attack. I find this hard to believe as the beach was closed and the DPAW staff were at the path telling everyone about it. Aside from this, the reason I saw the entire attack is because the fisheries boat was out the back of the surf signalling to everyone there was a massive shark. I watched all the other surfers come in straight away. This guy stayed out ignoring the fisheries boat. There were plenty of waves he could of caught or he could of even just paddled in. We were watching in disbelief as the fisheries continued to signal about the shark and he stayed out there. After about 5 mins the shark appeared out of nowhere and nailed him.

This shark was not just swimming around having a look or thinking about giving him a little love bite. It was clearly intent on nailing him. It first surfaced right next to him and he got steamrolled. I was shocked at the size of this shark. The dorsal fin, top side of the shark and tail fin were clearly visible. Easily 4m in length as has been reported. The shark was thrashing around and it was hard to see where the guy was. The shark then disappeared and by this stage the guy was separated from his board and started swimming back in. A minute or two later the shark reappeared and started attacking his surfboard. By this stage the guy was lucky that a few waves came and he managed to body surf away from the shark. The shark then disappeared again and the guy was only about half way in. By this stage I was expecting the worse case to happen. The shark then reappeard for a third time and continued to attack the surfboard. This shark was very aggressive. Eventually he managed to swim to shore and I was expecting him to have a missing leg or two. His wound was very bad with the gash deep enough for the bone to be visible but I am amazed it wasn't so much worse.

Ctngoodvibes
WA, 1402 posts
18 Apr 2018 5:58PM
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Sounds like he had a death wish. There goes my theory boat noise scares em away

oz surf
WA, 407 posts
18 Apr 2018 6:18PM
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Looks like this tool who ignored all the warnings ,has probably cost the state millions in lost tourism ,a cancelled WCT and a chance for a local guy who was doing so well, to win it. Fxxking idiot

Razzonater
2224 posts
18 Apr 2018 6:35PM
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Ctngoodvibes said..
Sounds like he had a death wish. There goes my theory boat noise scares em away


Oh man it fully attracts them.......
they actually learn the harmonics of the shark dive boats and beat the boats to the dive sites ................
its my number one paranoid thought when I pull up switch off and jump in

Greenroom
WA, 7608 posts
18 Apr 2018 7:14PM
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Select to expand quote
Razzonater said..
you can jam your shark shields and buzz boxes up where the sun don't shine.
Again targeted fishing of problematic fish in areas is fishing not culling it needs to be done and that's it.
no more hippy bull ship


Amen brother!

Greenroom
WA, 7608 posts
18 Apr 2018 7:18PM
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Select to expand quote
oz surf said..
Looks like this tool who ignored all the warnings ,has probably cost the state millions in lost tourism ,a cancelled WCT and a chance for a local guy who was doing so well, to win it. Fxxking idiot


Agree.

TimKay
752 posts
18 Apr 2018 8:46PM
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I think Medina would of been more scared surfing against Jack Robbo at the box in his next heat than any sharks

esoom
WA, 119 posts
19 Apr 2018 6:43AM
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So Medina ain`t coming back ,and his gazillion followers think likewise ,maybe we could transfer a few whites up to Bali to rid the water of their scum line !
Happy to not visit Brazil to be beaten,raped or mugged !

Bara
WA, 647 posts
19 Apr 2018 10:00AM
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Select to expand quote
oz surf said..
Looks like this tool who ignored all the warnings ,has probably cost the state millions in lost tourism ,a cancelled WCT and a chance for a local guy who was doing so well, to win it. Fxxking idiot


nah ****ing hero!

SRrat
WA, 240 posts
19 Apr 2018 8:20PM
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Select to expand quote
Bara said..

oz surf said..
Looks like this tool who ignored all the warnings ,has probably cost the state millions in lost tourism ,a cancelled WCT and a chance for a local guy who was doing so well, to win it. Fxxking idiot



nah ****ing hero!

SandS
VIC, 5904 posts
20 Apr 2018 6:27PM
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if that guy tastes as bad as he looks , no wonder the shark spat him out !!

peguin
WA, 263 posts
21 Apr 2018 10:43AM
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Very surprising and damming article on WAtoday.
www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/funky-cold-medina-surfers-wipe-out-on-shark-fears-at-margaret-river-pro-20180420-p4zatm.html

Journo has not gone for the typical shark cull headline but laid blame at surfers completely.

Ctngoodvibes
WA, 1402 posts
21 Apr 2018 4:18PM
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^^^Maybe we should send the journo out to lefties to test if it's safe yet?

TimKay
752 posts
22 Apr 2018 8:32AM
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peguin said..
Very surprising and damming article on WAtoday.
www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/funky-cold-medina-surfers-wipe-out-on-shark-fears-at-margaret-river-pro-20180420-p4zatm.html

Journo has not gone for the typical shark cull headline but laid blame at surfers completely.


He had a few good points though.
The second muppet should probably be charged for stupidity
The WSL shouldn't expect any favours from the WA govt
And the Brazos have set a dangerous precedent.
If the WSL are to be consistent then any surfer should be able to pull the safety card at any event they struggle with.
And probably most importantly which isn't in the article is that the WSL is now run by someone that doesn't surf. No clue

Bara
WA, 647 posts
22 Apr 2018 9:56AM
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peguin said..
Very surprising and damming article on WAtoday.
www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/funky-cold-medina-surfers-wipe-out-on-shark-fears-at-margaret-river-pro-20180420-p4zatm.html

Journo has not gone for the typical shark cull headline but laid blame at surfers completely.


yeah this is the typical shark hugger line - blame the surfers, "natural selection" etc etc

It lets them divorce themselves from any guilt when they see the human tragedy side of it. Sickening

sign the liberals petition to get smart drums, vote out labor at the next election

all we can do for now.

www.petition.org.au/shark-safety/

JESUSGUS
WA, 169 posts
22 Apr 2018 6:21PM
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Lots of good reading in this thread. Not sure what the answer is. I think we can trust the wa govt is not going to do any more than they are now. Unfortunately protest or petition will fall on deaf ears. I think we are in a place where we need to take measures for personal safety and use what ever you can whether is a repela device or share smart app. I was down the coast the last week and got a taste of just how many sharks are around.

Legion
WA, 2222 posts
22 Apr 2018 7:09PM
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Just have a look at the slswa twitter feed to see just how many sharks are reported each day.

Buster fin
WA, 2568 posts
22 Apr 2018 7:34PM
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^^^^^ Can't you just give us an example of a typical weekend?

Legion
WA, 2222 posts
22 Apr 2018 8:49PM
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Well today for example a 3m white at Esperance surf club at 09:46. And then at 10:46 a 4m aggressive white chased surfers out of the water at the same place. Maybe same fish but a metre is quite a bit.

Yesterday ten 2.5m sharks between Cape Naturaliste and Prevelly from the heli.

Day before eight 2.5m fish in the same area.

Day before eleven fish in the same area including a 3m white.

Ok eight footers aren't a big deal but given the current circumstances I'd probably crap my wetsuit if a fin popped up. Even seeing a dolphin today made me double take.

Go back from then and there starts to be one or two 3.0, 3.5, 4.0s a day.

Razzonater
2224 posts
22 Apr 2018 9:04PM
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Man doesn't sound like there's many off them left we should protect them so they can build up a denser population.
poor little bags of teeth I just want to hug them all with a shark net

Bara
WA, 647 posts
23 Apr 2018 7:56AM
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Select to expand quote
Legion said..
Well today for example a 3m white at Esperance surf club at 09:46. And then at 10:46 a 4m aggressive white chased surfers out of the water at the same place. Maybe same fish but a metre is quite a bit.

Yesterday ten 2.5m sharks between Cape Naturaliste and Prevelly from the heli.

Day before eight 2.5m fish in the same area.

Day before eleven fish in the same area including a 3m white.

Ok eight footers aren't a big deal but given the current circumstances I'd probably crap my wetsuit if a fin popped up. Even seeing a dolphin today made me double take.

Go back from then and there starts to be one or two 3.0, 3.5, 4.0s a day.


Re the heli spotting it's worth keeping in mind that according to a study in NSW ( fark me they are doing so much more than WA) aerial spotters only spotted 12% of anchored dummy shark silhouettes over a trial period.

So add movement and they maybe see 5% of what's there on any given patrol.

LateStarter
WA, 589 posts
23 Apr 2018 11:22AM
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I think there's two clear issues to come out of this debacle:

1. The WSL is showing a clear powershift towards the Brazzo dollar and there's been a definite change of the business model. I fear that its only a matter of time until the World Tour becomes a Crusty Demons style spectacle on man made waves in Stadiums Worldwide.

2. The State Government is absolutely sitting on their hands over the Shark Issue. The subsidised Shark deterrents are unsuitable for many water applications. They are also unproven. Two of the Abalone divers taken in SA in recent years were wearing these devices. There are also rumours of devices being returned locally and where people have had to sign non-disclosure agreements to get a refund on faulty devices. Helicopter Patrols are incredibly expensive and not entirely practical. Then the eco-barriers are doing nothing to protect the surfers and divers who are most at risk of attack.

Its time to man up and make some difficult decisions. Whats being done at the moment is clearly not working. Something has to change...

jbshack
WA, 6913 posts
23 Apr 2018 6:51PM
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Select to expand quote
LateStarter said..
I think there's two clear issues to come out of this debacle:

1. The WSL is showing a clear powershift towards the Brazzo dollar and there's been a definite change of the business model. I fear that its only a matter of time until the World Tour becomes a Crusty Demons style spectacle on man made waves in Stadiums Worldwide.

2. The State Government is absolutely sitting on their hands over the Shark Issue. The subsidised Shark deterrents are unsuitable for many water applications. They are also unproven. Two of the Abalone divers taken in SA in recent years were wearing these devices. There are also rumours of devices being returned locally and where people have had to sign non-disclosure agreements to get a refund on faulty devices. Helicopter Patrols are incredibly expensive and not entirely practical. Then the eco-barriers are doing nothing to protect the surfers and divers who are most at risk of attack.

Its time to man up and make some difficult decisions. Whats being done at the moment is clearly not working. Something has to change...


"They are unproven" Not true,

"two abalone divers taken in SA in recent years wearing them" also un true.

Something has to change, Maybe start with facts would be a good place..

Both surfers in the recent attack knew their was a large shark in the water when they went in. Stupid cant be helped..

Legion
WA, 2222 posts
23 Apr 2018 7:39PM
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There's a large shark in the water every time anyone goes in based on the slswa stats alone.

Do you have proof of the effectiveness of any devices on the market bjshack? Care to post those proofs?

Falco
102 posts
23 Apr 2018 10:17PM
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Select to expand quote
Kerr-e said..

Greenroom said..



oz surf said..










Thanks for your informed perspective Greenroom.

On a slightly different tack, does anyone have updates on the progress of independent testing for units other than the Freedom 7? The government rebate program was introduced to protect both Divers and Surfers, but it is only the device for Divers which is presently covered.


Not being fesicous here, having been a long time reader it Sort of comes across that you have some sort of financial investment in the repla product. You might not, we all love to support local businesses for sure and if they do work it truly would be great, just sort of reads this way having read many of your posts you seem to push this one product allot over the other, just curious as Dave did post looking for investors on here at the start if I recall correctly. Anyhow I hope one day some footage is released with these things working on an actual great white.........

Greenroom
WA, 7608 posts
24 Apr 2018 12:15AM
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This morning before work I saw a shark at the back of North Point.
Another shark cleared both South Point and Huzzas this afternoon while I was watching after work.
That 4 letter word is sounding better and and better every day.
CULL.



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"Shark attack at Cobblestones , Gracetown" started by esoom