A mother of four was tragically killed by a massive great white shark in front of her children over four decades ago, marking one of the most infamous shark attacks in history.
Shirley Ann Durdin, aged just 33, was peacefully snorkelling for scallops when she was dragged under the water by the beast on March 3, 1985, off the coast of Peake Bay, South Australia.
The horrifying incident unfolded rapidly, with a flurry of bubbles and blood preceding the moment the mum was brutally bitten in half by a single powerful bite.
All that remained was a headless torso, which was then consumed by the 20-foot shark before it vanished into the depths. The chilling scene was witnessed by her children from the shore, a mere 150 yards away.
Her devastated husband, Barry, had to be restrained by bystanders to prevent him from diving into the water after her. What sets this case apart is that it’s one of the rare instances where a great white shark has not only killed but also eaten a human.
The incident left locals too terrified to return to the water, with some even calling for a shark cull. However, experts cautioned that culling sharks wouldn’t necessarily make the area safer and could negatively impact the ecosystem, reports the Mirror.
Following the attack, authorities conducted searches for Shirley’s remains but recovered only a single swim fin. The family had recently relocated to the coastal area from Karkoo, a rural town approximately an hour inland, owing to her husband Barry’s serious farm-related allergies.
The devastating story has lately re-emerged on social media platforms, with multiple YouTube videos chronicling the incident. One commenter said: “Absolutely horrific! That poor woman and her loved ones, especially her husband. I would be traumatised for life and probably have nightmares forever.”
Another said: “Imagine witnessing this, let alone it being a family member or spouse! Poor husband to have to live with such a gruesome act. Prayers to him and family.”
Whilst another person observed: “This is one that’s always stuck with me. Probably the most horrific attack I’ve ever heard about.”
Shirley’s case marked the first fatal shark attack in South Australian waters since 1974, when a great white claimed the life of 26-year-old diver Terry Manuel. He had been collecting sea snails off Cape Catastrophe, South Australia and was ascending to the surface.
Yet, a 15-foot great white shark surged upwards from beneath him with such immense power that he was propelled entirely out of the water. According to accounts of the incident, Terry abruptly surfaced some distance from the vessel and shouted “shark!” His mate, John, witnessed the sea turn to a blood-red hue and hurried to assist.
Attempts to haul Terry into the boat were disrupted as the shark persistently grabbed and thrashed him. He desperately tried to extricate the diver’s legs from the shark’s formidable jaws, eventually succeeding – but not before the creature had entirely ripped off one of Manuel’s legs.
Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards due to severe blood loss.