A 25-year-old male from New Zealand died following a shark attack while surfing at Cactus Beach, South Australia on 24 September 2000. Multiple witnesses observed a large white pointer shark attack the deceased in approximately 2 metres of water. The shark was estimated at 4-5 metres (or 16-18 feet) long. After an initial attack, the deceased briefly returned to his surfboard before the shark attacked again, dragging him underwater. Surfboard fragments were recovered and examined by a forensic odontologist who confirmed shark tooth marks consistent with a Great White shark. The deceased's body was never recovered. This case illustrates the tragic consequences of encountering large predatory marine animals in their natural environment.
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Contributing factors
Large white pointer shark attack in shallow coastal water
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