AMITY, MASS. - A third victim was killed by a shark at Village Beach today. Everyone was breathing easy after reports that the shark was caught, but James Parks, 30, was not spared from the shark's wrath.
"His small rowboat was attacked and he was knocked into the water," said Chief of Police Martin P. Brody. Most of his remains have not been found.
Beaches will be closed indefinitely. "By order of the police department, beaches will remain closed until further notice," Brody said. "Residents are urged to use extreme caution and report any incidents to the police or Coast Guard," he added.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Shark Sighting Found to be Hoax
AMITY, MASS. – Countless tourists and beachgoers filed into South Beach expecting a sunny and enjoyable Fourth of July were terrified by two young boys imitating a shark in the water. Spirits had lifted after reports that the shark had been caught and killed, and as Mayor Bob Farley promised, the beach re-opened after 24 hours.
Beachgoers were hesitant to enter the water at first, but an elderly man along with his wife and grandchildren made the first move to be the first ones in. They were followed by the rest of the beach crowd.
Shark spotters were out in force along with lifeguards and oceanographers. Upon the sighting of a fin, everyone rushed out of the water. After the beachfront was emptied, the “fin” was discovered to be two young boys playing a prank with a fake shark silhouette.
The hoax comes just days after two local youngsters were killed in the water at Village Beach by a vicious shark. 16-year-old Wendy Watson and 10-year-old Alex Ferguson were both victims of fatal shark attacks.
It has been claimed that the malicious shark was captured by anonymous fishermen. “I am delighted to report that the giant killer shark that has been blamed for two deaths this week was caught and killed in waters one mile south-southwest of Amity,” said Amity Chief of Police Martin P. Brody.
The fishermen then proceeded to kill the 16-foot long Nurse Shark and will receive the $3,000 reward from Marin Ferguson, the mother of one of the victims.
The shark has been identified by Mark Hooper, a marine biologist from the Woods Hold Oceanographic Institute.
Quick action was taken by all involved to ensure that everyone would be safe. No one was harmed during the elaborate shark hoax.
Precautions will continue to be taken by all. “Any shark sightings should be reported immediately to the police or Coast Guard,” said Brody. “While police urge vigilance, we believe that the danger of future shark attacks has passed,” he added.
Monday, December 8, 2008
No Need to Fear Shark Attacks Despite Amity Madness
Recent shark attacks in the Martha's Vineyard area have been gruesome and unprovoked. Two deaths have been reported; a local young boy and a teenage girl were mauled by what is believed to be a shark with a mean streak. This may have you wondering: "Could a shark attack like that happen on the New Hampshire seacoast?"
Experts feel that there is no need for beach lovers to fear. J. Dennis Robinson, the editor of SeacoastNH.com said that he hadn't even heard of one. "I assume that if there had been one, it would be part of local lore and history," Robinson said. "After 20 years of studying local history, I have not heard of one," he added.
This is surely a relief for those who crowd the area beaches over the summer. There are scientific reasons that make it very unlikely that a similar shark attack will occur in the New Hampshire seacoast area.
"The water is simply too cold," said Stacia A. Sower, who is a professor at the UNH Center for Marine Biology. She added that sharks do not usually attack humans.
Combined with the cold water factor, it is clear that there is no need for anyone to fear a shark attack. With less people in the water anyway because of the cold temperatures, it is even less likely that a shark would be in the area; much less that it would be provoked.
While the movie "Jaws" could strike fear into the heart of moviegoers, such attacks would simply not happen here. Keep swimming!
Experts feel that there is no need for beach lovers to fear. J. Dennis Robinson, the editor of SeacoastNH.com said that he hadn't even heard of one. "I assume that if there had been one, it would be part of local lore and history," Robinson said. "After 20 years of studying local history, I have not heard of one," he added.
This is surely a relief for those who crowd the area beaches over the summer. There are scientific reasons that make it very unlikely that a similar shark attack will occur in the New Hampshire seacoast area.
"The water is simply too cold," said Stacia A. Sower, who is a professor at the UNH Center for Marine Biology. She added that sharks do not usually attack humans.
Combined with the cold water factor, it is clear that there is no need for anyone to fear a shark attack. With less people in the water anyway because of the cold temperatures, it is even less likely that a shark would be in the area; much less that it would be provoked.
While the movie "Jaws" could strike fear into the heart of moviegoers, such attacks would simply not happen here. Keep swimming!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Another Tragedy Rallies Officials and Citizens to Act
July 3
AMITY, MA – In light of the recent incidents at South Beach, a press conference was held today at Town Hall with Mayor Bob Farley, Chief of Police Martin P. Brody, and the Amity Board of Selectmen to discuss a course of action.
When asked if the beaches would be closed, Brody responded with a reluctant “yes,” but was immediately rebuffed by Farley, who said the closing would be for a brief 24 hour period.
The latest tragedy was the death of 10-year-old Alex Ferguson, who had been floating on a raft in the water. His body has not been discovered, but a gruesome scene ended with a bloody, bitten raft washing ashore.
It is believed that the Watson and Ferguson deaths are linked, according to Brody. Shark activity is at the forefront of possible causes.
“Now we know that these random acts of senseless violence, victimizing innocent, helpless citizens, do not just happen in the city,” said Brody. Brody also said that oceanographers and other specialists will be brought in to help with the situation on the beaches.
Some citizens called for the beaches to be closed, while others were outraged at such action. “Twenty-four-hours is like three weeks!” bellowed an angry citizen.
Local fisherman Ben Quint offered his services. “I’ll catch the shark. The head, the tail, the whole thing,” Quint said. He rebuffed the $3,000 offer by Marian Ferguson, claiming that $10,000 was a more appropriate figure for such a capture and kill.
Quint went on to strike fear into everyone’s hearts, saying that they “would be on welfare” if the shark isn’t caught and the beaches remain a place of fear.
The investigation is ongoing.
AMITY, MA – In light of the recent incidents at South Beach, a press conference was held today at Town Hall with Mayor Bob Farley, Chief of Police Martin P. Brody, and the Amity Board of Selectmen to discuss a course of action.
When asked if the beaches would be closed, Brody responded with a reluctant “yes,” but was immediately rebuffed by Farley, who said the closing would be for a brief 24 hour period.
The latest tragedy was the death of 10-year-old Alex Ferguson, who had been floating on a raft in the water. His body has not been discovered, but a gruesome scene ended with a bloody, bitten raft washing ashore.
It is believed that the Watson and Ferguson deaths are linked, according to Brody. Shark activity is at the forefront of possible causes.
“Now we know that these random acts of senseless violence, victimizing innocent, helpless citizens, do not just happen in the city,” said Brody. Brody also said that oceanographers and other specialists will be brought in to help with the situation on the beaches.
Some citizens called for the beaches to be closed, while others were outraged at such action. “Twenty-four-hours is like three weeks!” bellowed an angry citizen.
Local fisherman Ben Quint offered his services. “I’ll catch the shark. The head, the tail, the whole thing,” Quint said. He rebuffed the $3,000 offer by Marian Ferguson, claiming that $10,000 was a more appropriate figure for such a capture and kill.
Quint went on to strike fear into everyone’s hearts, saying that they “would be on welfare” if the shark isn’t caught and the beaches remain a place of fear.
The investigation is ongoing.
Body of Teenage Girl Recovered on South Beach
AMITY, MA – The body of 16-year-old Wendy W. Watson, who had gone missing, was discovered on South Beach on July 1.
Watson was last seen alive leaving a beach party around 11 p.m. with an unidentified male. Sources indicate that both Watson and her male companion had been drinking that evening.
The police were notified by the male when Watson, who had gone skinny-dipping in a remote part of the beach, did not return from the water.
After a brief search, a deputy discovered her body this morning, and there were signs of some sort of brutal attack.
Chief of Police Martin P. Brody has not ruled out a shark attack. “Though a shark attack has not been completely ruled out, we want to assure all residents and visitors on our fine island that they are in no danger,” Brody said.
Her body has been transported to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. No charges have been field in the case, and the investigation is ongoing. Beaches will remain open.
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