Mum bitten in half by shark in front of children in terrifying attack | World | News
Shirley was bitten in half in front of her devastated family (Image: Supplied)
A mother-of-four was tragically killed by an enormous great white shark in front of her children more than four decades ago, in one of the most notorious shark attacks ever recorded.
Shirley Ann Durdin, just 33, was peacefully snorkelling for scallops when she was dragged beneath the surface by the beast on 3 March 1985 off Peake Bay, South Australia.
The horrifying incident unfolded in seconds, with a burst of bubbles and blood marking the moment the mother was savagely bitten in half by a single devastating bite.
All that remained was a headless torso, which was subsequently consumed by the 20-foot shark before it vanished into the depths.
The harrowing scene was witnessed by her children from the shoreline, just 150 yards away.
Her devastated husband, Barry, had to be physically restrained by bystanders to prevent him from plunging into the water after her.
She wasn’t far from the shore when the shark struck (Image: Getty Images)
What sets this case apart is that it represents one of the rare occasions where a great white shark has not only killed but also eaten a human being, reports the Daily Star.
The incident left local residents too frightened to return to the water, with some calling for a shark cull. However, experts cautioned that culling sharks would not necessarily make the area safer and could severely damage the ecosystem, reports the Mirror.
Following the attack, officials scoured the area for Shirley’s remains but discovered only a single swim fin.
The family had recently relocated to the seaside from the inland farming community of Karkoo – approximately an hour’s drive away – owing to her husband Barry’s severe agricultural allergies.
This harrowing story has recently re-emerged on social media, with a considerable number of YouTube videos chronicling the horrifying incident.
The shark was close to the shore (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
One person 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 wrote: “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.”
While a further person added: “This is one that’s always stuck with me. Probably the most horrific attack I’ve ever heard about.”
Shirley’s tragedy marked the first fatal shark encounter in South Australian waters since 1974, when a great white took the life of 26-year-old diver Terry Manuel.
He had been collecting sea snails near Cape Catastrophe, South Australia, and was making his way back up to the surface.
Without warning, a 15-foot great white shark launched itself upwards from directly beneath him with such enormous force that he was hurled completely clear of the water.
According to eyewitness accounts of the incident, Terry suddenly appeared some distance from the vessel and screamed “shark!”
His companion, John, watched in horror as the sea turned a deep crimson and immediately rushed to his assistance.
Their desperate attempts to haul Terry back aboard were repeatedly thwarted as the shark relentlessly clung to and thrashed him.
In a frantic bid to help, he struggled to wrench the diver’s legs from the shark’s ferocious clutches, ultimately succeeding — but not before the creature had savagely ripped off one of Manuel’s legs. Devastatingly, he succumbed shortly afterwards as a result of catastrophic blood loss.
