Bits and Bites from Around the World > Shark Decapitates Diver in Gulf of California; Dying Canucks Fan gets last Laugh

..

Great white decapitates diver in first fatal shark attack of 2023: report

By Ben Cost, NYPost

January 27, 2023 4:56pm  Updated

A 19-foot great white shark reportedly killed fisherman Manual Lopez this month in Mexico.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

A 19-foot great white shark decapitated a diver this month as he harvested shellfish off Mexico, reportedly marking the first fatal shark attack of the year.

The horrific tragedy occurred Jan. 5 while Manuel Lopez, 53, was gathering ax tripe — a type of mollusk — in Tobari Bay in Benito Juárez, Sonora, Tracking Sharks reported. He was said to have been diving to the ocean floor without an oxygen tank to nab the critters, which typically reside at depths of 36 to 59 feet.

Lopez’s shellfishing expedition was cut short when the shark bit his head clean off, according to Tracking Sharks.

“He was diving when the animal attacked him, impressively ripping off his head and biting both shoulders,” eyewitness Jose Bernal told the outlet.

A great white shark named Brutus is shown off Guadalupe Island in Mexico on Nov. 29, 2021.

ZUMAPRESS.com

The attack follows an increase in local shark sightings that have area fishermen on high alert. “Local divers had been warned about the presence of sharks in the area, and most had not been out for several days,” said Bernal.

However, Lopez, who was reportedly in need of money, saw an opportunity to make a killing due to the shellfish shortage. He allegedly decided to ignore the warnings and embark on what would be his final fishing trip.

It’s unclear what prompted the apex predator to attack, however, the shark could’ve been attracted to the turbulence and sounds generated by Lopez while he was harvesting mollusks, Tracking Sharks reported.

Humans are also often mistaken for seals while wearing wetsuits, which can prompt sharks to take “experimental” bites. And while the creatures generally move on after realizing the victim isn’t their preferred prey, this exploratory nibble can prove catastrophic due to the shark’s rows of serrated, meat-shearing teeth.

Divers are more likely to be mistaken for seals come December and January, when great white sharks are most prevalent in the Gulf of California, Tracking Sharks noted. Pregnant female sharks are said to be searching for fat-filled sea lions during that time.

Being a fan of the Vancouver Canucks requires two dominant characteristics: humility, and a sense of humour, if not a sense of the absurd.

Vancouver Canucks fan has last word on NHL team’s legacy of losing

CAMPBELL RIVER STAFF

Jan. 26, 2023 10:30 a.m.

 

Vancouver Canucks goalie Collin Delia (60) is scored on by Edmonton Oilers’ Tyson Barrie (22) as Dylan Holloway (55) watches the puck go in the net during second period preseason action in Edmonton on Monday, October 3, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Russell George Atkins was a Vancouver Canucks fan until the very end.

Unfortunately, being a fan of the NHL team means being disappointed all your life – three trips to the Stanley Cup finals in 52 years (and most likely 53) and no Stanley Cups.

A memorial for Atkins was placed on the Campbell River Mirror’s website Jan. 13 and concluded with the ultimate epitaph for the sadsack team which in recent weeks has piled more embarrassment on a rich legacy of disappointment with the very public firing of fan-favourite coach Bruce Boudreau during another losing season.

The loving tribute to Atkins concluded with a reflection of his unending wait for the ultimate hockey prize for his favourite team:

“Russell would’ve liked to have had 6 of the Vancouver Canucks to be his pallbearers so they could have let him down one more time.”