Mary Allen
Introduction
The Matawan Maneater shark attack is one of the most infamous shark attacks in history. It occurred in the Matawan Creek, a small waterway in New Jersey, United States. The attack took place in 1916 and claimed the lives of two young boys, while injuring several others. The incident sparked a frenzy of shark hunting and left a lasting impact on the community.
Historical Background
The early 1900s were a time of great change and development in the United States. The country was experiencing a period of industrialization and urbanization, with more and more people moving to cities and towns. The Matawan Creek, located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, was a popular spot for swimming and boating, especially during the hot summer months. However, this idyllic setting was about to be shattered by a series of shark attacks that would rock the nation.
Matawan Creek
The Matawan Creek is a small waterway that flows through the town of Matawan, New Jersey. It is a tributary of the Raritan Bay, which leads out to the Atlantic Ocean. At the time of the shark attacks, the creek was a popular spot for swimming and boating, with many people using it to cool off during the hot summer months. However, the creek was also known for its murky waters and strong currents, which made it a dangerous place for inexperienced swimmers.
The Fatal Attack
On July 12, 1916, a young boy named Lester Stillwell was swimming with his friends in the Matawan Creek when he was suddenly attacked by a shark. The shark dragged him underwater and despite the efforts of his friends, he was unable to escape. A short while later, another young boy named Joseph Dunn was also attacked by the same shark while swimming in the creek. He survived the initial attack but later died from his injuries.
Victims and Witnesses
In addition to Lester Stillwell and Joseph Dunn, several other people were also injured during the shark attacks. One of the witnesses to the attack was a man named Watson Stanley Fisher, who saw the shark attack Joseph Dunn. He later described the shark as being "about 8 feet long, with a greyish-brown color and a white underbelly."
Search and Capture
Following the attacks, a massive search was launched to locate and capture the shark responsible. The search involved local fishermen, shark hunters, and even the U.S. Navy. After several days, a large shark was finally caught in the nearby Raritan Bay. The shark was later identified as a great white shark, which was a species of shark that was not commonly found in the area.
Aftermath and Impact
The Matawan Maneater shark attacks left a lasting impact on the community and the nation as a whole. The attacks sparked a frenzy of shark hunting and led to the creation of new safety measures for swimmers and boaters. The story of the attacks also inspired several books and movies, including the popular film "Jaws."
Shark Species Identification
The shark responsible for the Matawan Maneater attacks was identified as a great white shark, which is a species of shark that is known for its size and predatory behavior. Great white sharks are found in oceans around the world and are known to be one of the most dangerous species of shark.
Controversy and Speculations
The Matawan Maneater shark attacks have been the subject of much controversy and speculation over the years. Some have questioned whether the shark responsible was truly a great white shark, while others have suggested that there may have been multiple sharks involved in the attacks.
Safety Measures Today
Today, the Matawan Creek remains a popular spot for swimming and boating. However, there are now several safety measures in place to protect swimmers and boaters from potential shark attacks. These measures include warning signs, lifeguards, and shark patrols.
Conclusion
The Matawan Maneater shark attack remains one of the most infamous shark attacks in history. The attack took place in the Matawan Creek, a small waterway in New Jersey, and claimed the lives of two young boys. The incident sparked a frenzy of shark hunting and left a lasting impact on the community. Today, the Matawan Creek remains a popular spot for swimming and boating, but there are now several safety measures in place to protect swimmers and boaters from potential shark attacks.
References
- "The Matawan Man-Eater: A Case Study in Shark Attacks" by George H. Burgess and Jaws author Peter Benchley
- "Shark Attack: The Unthinkable Happens" by Richard G. Fernicola
- "The Jersey Shore Shark Attacks of 1916" by Richard G. Fernicola