Expert urges caution for Waihī beach-goers after fatal shark attack
Expert urges caution for Waihī beach-goers after fatal shark attack
A shark expert is urging caution for beachgoers after a suspected shark attack at Waihī beach earlier this week.
Nineteen-year-old Kaelah Marlow died on Thursday after reports she had been injured in the water. If confirmed as a shark attack, Marlow would be the first shark fatality nationally since 2013.
A post-mortem was carried out yesterday, but it is yet to be confirmed whether a shark was behind the attack.
Clinton Duffy, a marine scientist at the Department of Conservation, said many people had the mistaken perception that sharks were uncommon in New Zealand.
Fatal shark incident: Waihī Beach reopens to swimmers
8 Jan, 2021 09:29 PM
4 minutes to read
Waihī Beach has reopened to swimmers following Thursday s fatal shark incident. Photo / George Novak
Waihī Beach has reopened to swimmers today following a fatal shark incident.
On Thursday, 19-year-old Kaelah Marlow died after she was reportedly injured by a shark while swimming at the Bowentown end of Waihī Beach.
The Otawhiwhi Marae Trust announced that the rāhui at the beach would be lifted for swimmers, walkers and other water activities today but fishing or gathering seafood in the rāhui zone was still prohibited until January 15.
Fatal Waihī Beach shark attack: Aunty of victim says devastated family are in shock
8 Jan, 2021 09:00 AM
3 minutes to read
NZ Herald
An aunty of Waihī Beach shark attack victim Kaelah Marlow says the whole family are in shock after the 19-year-old s death.
Marlow s aunty Kylie French told the West Australian the family have been devastated by her death. I m just in shock, everyone is just in shock. We can t get over there, Mum can t get over there, French said.
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Police have named the victim as 19-year-old Kaelah Marlow. Photo / Supplied You hear about shark attacks, but never in a million years do you think it ll be someone you know. She was obviously out with her friends having a great time.