An American tourist is feared to have fallen victim to a shark while diving in Indonesia.
Colleen Monfore, a 68-year-old from South Dakota, disappeared on September 26 while exploring the waters near Pulau Reong Island, located in the Southwest Maluku Regency.
The Dive That Went Wrong
Colleen was enjoying a diving adventure with six friends and a tour guide when a strong ocean current swept her away around 9 a.m. local time.
Despite the guide’s efforts to rescue her, he was unable to pull Monfore back to the safety of their boat.
A search operation ensued, lasting eight days before being called off on October 3 due to treacherous sea conditions and diminishing hopes of locating her.
Human Remains Discovered in a Shark
The search took a grim turn when a fisherman in nearby East Timor discovered human remains inside a shark’s belly.
While the remains have yet to be definitively identified, local officials in Liquisa District noted that the female body, still dressed in a black wetsuit, resembled that of a Western woman, potentially matching Monfore’s description.
The fisherman recounted the shocking moment he found the remains, noting, “The shark was caught but it was not in normal health.
I thought it had swallowed plastic or a fishing net. When it was cut open, we found the remains of a woman inside.”
Investigations Underway
Officials in East Timor have reached out to Indonesia’s coast guard and requested information regarding any missing persons, given the popularity of diving in the region.
Muhammad Saleh Goro, the Head of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Management of the Alor Islands Marine Park, confirmed ongoing investigations.
“We are working with the Indonesian Embassy in Dili to gather more information about the identity of the remains found,” he said.
Search Efforts in Indonesia
Ipda Giovani BM Toffy, the chief of police in Southwest Maluku, shared that the tour guide initially reported Colleen missing.
Friends of Monfore led the first search efforts, coordinating with local authorities and residents to scour the coastline and surrounding waters.
Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Monfore was not located.
The Allure of Pulau Reong
Pulau Reong is part of the Alor Archipelago, celebrated for its incredible scuba diving experiences.
The area is gaining traction among diving enthusiasts for its rich biodiversity and stunning coral reefs, offering a quieter alternative to more popular destinations like Thailand and the Philippines.
Shark Attacks: A Rare Occurrence
While shark attacks are a genuine concern, they are exceedingly rare in Indonesia, with only 11 unprovoked incidents recorded since 1749, according to the latest data from the International Shark Attack File.
The last reported attack before this incident occurred in July 2022 near Bali, where a Russian surfer sustained minor injuries.
Despite the fear surrounding shark attacks, statistics show that the United States, not Australia, holds the title for the highest number of shark bites globally.
In 2023, more than half of the 69 confirmed shark bites occurred in the U.S., primarily in Florida and California, likely due to the high number of beachgoers.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, officials hope to clarify the circumstances surrounding Colleen Monfore’s disappearance and confirm the identity of the remains found.
The local diving community and authorities are left grappling with the profound implications of this tragic incident.
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