La Manzanilla message board

Crock or Shark Posted by D. Edwards on December 6, 2023, 5:03 pm We are getting mixed reports in the States regarding unfortunate attack and loss of life of a woman in Melaque. Does anybody have better information on what actually happen to this poor person ?

Re: Crock or Shark Posted by EvelynB on December 6, 2023, 5:51 pm, in reply to "Crock or Shark" It was a shark. It was underneath a floating aquatic ‘playground’ not too far from shore in what felt like an ocean cave to the shark. When the woman put her child on the float the shark bit her in the leg. By the time they got her to shore she died from blood loss. Just a tragedy. There are all sorts of rumours going around but I’ve read a couple of articles from those in the know, like University Marine Biology Professors and the like, and this is apparently what happened. Sharks are not common in this part of Mexico but not unheard of either. I’ll have to check and see if they’ve taken away that deadly floating contraption next time I’m over in Melaque.

Re: Crock or Shark Posted by Shannon Silvermoon on December 6, 2023, 6:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Crock or Shark" I was there yesterday and it was still standing in the water. No one was on it and not many people on the beach!!

Re: Crock or Shark Posted by Little Tree on December 6, 2023, 8:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Crock or Shark" There is apparently a warning for the costa alegre regarding this incident to stay clear if the water for the time being. It was apparently a four meter long bull shark or white shark. I was given this information by a Mexican friend who was present at the time of the attack.

Re: Crock or Shark Posted by Beccistarr on December 7, 2023, 5:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Crock or Shark" Evelynb is absolutely right. The shark was confused. The only thing wrong with this scenario is the float ring in the water…a life was lost by someone making money…get the ring out of the bay… not okay

Re: Crock or Shark Posted by Dan Patman on December 7, 2023, 5:30 pm, in reply to "Re: Crock or Shark" Please all stop spreading more half truths and rumours. 1. Sharks are plenty common in this part of Mexico, just because you don't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. 2. It is way more complicated and multi-pronged than just 'the float was there and caused it', there are lots more factors involved and i am not going to get into discussing them in open forums for various reasons. 3. It was not a white shark, we are way south of their areas. 4. Definitely a bull shark as by the bite being analyzed. Not a croc. 5. Part of the words 'said' by the uni professor we taken from an unauthorised forwarding of an audio he sent in reaction to the incident as was reported by one of his ex-students. 6. My credentials are I am a marine biologist (not just a tour operator) who has also worked on white shark research programe in S.Africa and have several diplomas and courses in shark conservation, biology and management.

Re: Crock or Shark Posted by EvelynB on December 7, 2023, 7:06 pm, in reply to "Re: Crock or Shark" Jeepers Dan, I appreciate that the rumour mill is alive and well and often is just that, rumours, but you did come across pretty strong. No one questions your credentials but I at least got it somewhat right. And when you speak of unauthorized information, I’m curious to know who authorizes what info is shared, and if a Marine biologist as well as a Prof. at a University don’t know ‘nothin’ then who does. Just sayin.

Re: Crock or Shark Posted by Dan Patman on December 7, 2023, 7:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Crock or Shark" Sorry if I came a cross strong, but i have been watching so much misinformation and out and out rubbish over the last few days, that as someone who studied this and for a time worked in this area that it frustrates me. Fabián, one of the professor's students stated that the audio was taken partly out of context amd shared (and yes in this day and age he should know better with audios and technology) but certain things he did (or didn't) say were not true facts and seemed to be pandering to already stated information from people who don't know, but hold local political or social power. Again I apologise if it seemed strong and aggressive but sharks have been my passion for over 40 years and at the end of the day it was a tragic and very unlucky occurrence. Peace out.

Re: Crock or Shark Posted by Monte Morgan on December 7, 2023, 8:09 pm, in reply to "Re: Crock or Shark" Dan, I appreciate and respect your history and credentials. So much of what I read here is speculation and people just blowing smoke to see their name in print, so your, adding some authenticity to the conversation is very much appreciated. As a long-time resident with a deep attachment to the Costa Alegre, I am sure that you bring a more enlightened perspective than many seasonal visitors.

Shark Attack Posted by Jo Anna H on December 7, 2023, 8:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Crock or Shark" "there are lots more factors involved and i am not going to get into discussing them in open forums for various reasons." Dan Patman, I'd be grateful if you would, indeed, get into discussing these factors. I don't think people are blowing smoke to see their names in print. I think people are -- and rightfully so --fearful and are wanting informed information (if I can put those two words together). I'm sure I'm not alone in welcoming clarification.

Re: Shark Attack Posted by Heather on December 7, 2023, 10:10 pm, in reply to "Shark Attack" Jo...Anna Pffffft!

Re: Shark Attack Posted by david dagoli on December 8, 2023, 7:37 am, in reply to "Re: Shark Attack" FYI - they removed the inflatable shark attractor from Melaque beach yesterday

Re: Shark Attack Posted by Beccistarr on December 8, 2023, 7:41 am, in reply to "Re: Shark Attack" Good news David. Thank you

Re: Shark Attack Posted by Beccistarr on December 8, 2023, 7:40 am, in reply to "Re: Shark Attack" Dan…if there are rumors and you know the facts why not share with the good people of LaManzanilla and beyond. Not sure how you think of us but perhaps you’d be surprised at the level of intellect and comprehension that exists here in our little village. Enlighten us.

Re: Shark Attack Posted by m morgan on December 8, 2023, 8:09 am, in reply to "Shark Attack" ".....i am not going to get into discussing them in open forums for various reasons." he said no(t)

Follow Civil Protection on Facebook Posted by Mateo on December 8, 2023, 10:31 am, in reply to "Crock or Shark" I would suggest those interested in events in our region--ranging from shark attacks to landslides to car accidents to hurricanes--follow Civil Protection on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/CUERPOVOLUNTARIOESTATALDEPROTECCIONCIVILAC Also, if one joins the "Costalegre Amigos" group on Facebook, it is a forum for life in Barra and Melaque. You can trust anything posted by its wonderful administrator, Elke L Gazvoda.

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