A tragic incident unfolded in Indonesia when an American tourist was fatally attacked by a shark during a diving expedition. Colleen Monfore, a 68-year-old woman from South Dakota, was on a dream vacation with six friends, diving around Pulau Reong island when she was swept away by strong currents on September 26. Despite the boat guide’s efforts, he was unable to rescue her.
The grim discovery of Monfore’s body was made when a local fisherman caught the shark off the coast of East Timor. Initially, the fisherman believed the shark had ingested plastic or a fishing net due to its abnormal health. However, upon opening the shark, he found the remains of a woman inside.
Local authorities confirmed that the remains, clad in a black wetsuit, were recovered from the shark’s stomach. Disturbing images from the scene show the shark dissected, with what appears to be human remains in the background.
The incident is currently under investigation. Officials clarified that East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is not part of Indonesian territory. The focus of the investigation is to confirm if the remains belong to any individuals reported missing in Indonesia.
Muhammad Saleh Goro, head of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Management of the Alor Island Marine Park, stated, “We are now investigating the case further to confirm if they are the remains of anyone reported missing in Indonesia.” He added that the diving suit worn by the victim suggests they were a diver and that the results of the investigation will be released once more comprehensive information is available.
Unofficial reports from Timor Leste suggest that the victim found inside the shark was a foreign female. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the potential dangers that lurk beneath its surface.