The remains of Colleen Monfore, a 68-year-old woman from Michigan, were discovered in a shark’s stomach after she vanished during a diving trip in Indonesia.
This tragic incident raises questions about how she may have died.
What Happened?
Colleen’s Disappearance
On September 26, Colleen Monfore was diving with friends near Pulau Reong island, off Indonesia’s Southwest Maluku Regency. During the dive, she failed to resurface, leading to a search and growing concern for her whereabouts. Asia Pacific Press reported on her disappearance, sparking widespread attention.
Discovery of Remains
About two weeks later, on October 4, a local fisherman noticed a distressed shark and subsequently killed it. Upon examining the shark’s stomach, he found human remains, a wetsuit, and other items believed to belong to Monfore.
Cause of Death: Shark Attack or Natural Causes?
Initial Belief: Shark Attack
Initially, many believed that Monfore had been attacked and eaten by the shark. However, a close friend, Kim Sass, who shared details in a Facebook post, questions this theory.
Friend’s Perspective: Likely Not a Shark Attack
Sass suggests that Monfore may have died from a medical issue during the dive rather than a shark attack. Here’s what she shared:
- Timing: The shark was found about eight days after Monfore disappeared. Sass believes the shark may have consumed Monfore’s remains after her death.
- Evidence of Decomposition: Monfore’s body was intact enough to allow for identification by fingerprints, which Sass says would be unlikely if she had been eaten right after her disappearance.
- Environmental Conditions: Sass noted that Monfore was an experienced diver and the dive conditions, while challenging, were manageable. She was in 24 feet of water with about half a tank of air left when the group turned around due to a current change.
Shark Biology
Sharks digest food slowly, and according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, their stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve metal. However, large bones and other indigestible objects often remain in the stomach, which may explain why Monfore’s remains were still identifiable.
Continuing Investigation
Indonesian authorities are still investigating the case, trying to determine Monfore’s exact cause of death. The US Embassy is also involved in confirming her identity.
Possible Theories
- Medical Emergency: It’s possible that Monfore experienced a health issue underwater, leading to her death before the shark found her remains.
- Environmental Factors: While unlikely, as noted by Sass, there remains a slim chance that the underwater conditions played a role.
Conclusion
The circumstances surrounding Monfore’s tragic death remain unclear. Her family and friends continue to seek answers, hoping for clarity on what happened during her final dive.
Sources:
- Asia Pacific Press
- Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
- Statements from Kim Sass on Facebook