The tragic death of a fisherman in a shark attack in Vatia more than two weeks ago, warrants a public warning from authorities about the presence of sharks in local waters.
That’s according to an experienced fisherman and recreational boater who told KHJ News that swimmers and fishermen have to be careful as there have been sightings of sharks in waters of north shore villages.
The fisherman shared with us a video of a shark circling his fishing boat, taken about the same time that the badly mangled body of a fisherman from Vatia washed up on shore.
The man had been spear fishing by himself.
The fishing boat owner who filmed the shark video said he’s seen Mako, Bull and Tiger sharks in north shore waters.
He predicts that the presence of such sharks, means it’s only a matter of time before we see great white sharks.
The fisherman advised that spear fishermen should not go by themselves but always go in a pair or group.
The fisherman said after the shark attack in Vatia local authorities should have issued a warning to swimmers, fishermen and boaters about the presence of sharks in local waters as is done in other countries.
But up to now there’s been none.
KHJ News checked with the Dept of Marine and Wildlife Resources and we were told this is not within their responsibilities.
