Lifeguards were on the lookout Thursday for a shark that killed a man off a crowded beach near New Zealand's largest city as his family held a Maori ceremony near the site where he was mauled.
Relatives named the man who died in the rare attack on Wednesday at Muriwai Beach west of Auckland as Adam Strange, a 46-year-old film maker and keen ocean swimmer.
He was swimming about 100 metres offshore when a shark described as four metres (13 feet) long attacked at 1:30 pm (1230 GMT) Wednesday in the first confirmed shark fatality in New Zealand for more than 35 years.
The shark was still biting Strange's corpse when police pulled alongside it in an inflatable rescue boat and shot at the predator to distract it while they pulled the body aboard.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand regional manager Tom Burgess said it was not clear whether the shark, believed to be a great white, survived the shooting and lifeguards were being extra vigilant in the area on Thursday.
"We've received no additional information of sightings... we're currently ensuring that the beach is closed, that people are advised of the incident that's occurred and to keep their eyes peeled," he told Radio New Zealand.
He said the shark was likely to have moved on even if it had survived but authorities were taking no chances amid eyewitness reports that up to three more of the creatures circled Strange's body after the initial attack.
Muriwai and nearby beaches remained shut to swimmers on Thursday but Strange's family and friends gathered on the shore for a Maori mourning ceremony, with some wading in ankle-deep and embracing one another.
"The family are grieving the loss of a glorious and great father, husband and friend," the family said in a statement released late Wednesday, adding that they were in "deep shock" and wanted their privacy respected.
Strange's personal website says he directed television commercials, mainly in Asia, and created a short film "Aphrodite's Farm" which won an award at the 2009 Berlin Film Festival.
New Zealand's previous confirmed shark death was in 1976, according to the Te Ara Encyclopaedia of New Zealand. A death in 2009 is often attributed to sharks, but investigators were unsure if the victim drowned before being attacked.
AFP
Thu Feb 28 2013
Police use latest tech to assist in renewed investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's case
Police says the technology could produce a clearer picture of the location where Teoh Beng Hock was found dead 15 years ago digitally.
Family of American killed on Malaysian Airlines flight can sue Russian bank, US court rules
The flight was shot down over DPR-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine by a surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people on board.
FLOODCOM: M'sia's first floating flood disaster command centre using nuclear technology
The floating flood disaster command centre incorporates nuclear technology to accelerate emergency response and coordination during floods.
Saudi Arabia says it won't establish ties with Israel without creation of Palestinian state
Saudi Crown Prince affirms kingdom's stance in a "clear, explicit manner" with no room for interpretation, says foreign ministry.
What are five new critical metal exports restricted by China?
China announced sweeping export restrictions targeting five metals used across defence, clean energy and other industries.
Trump, in shock announcement, says US wants to take over Gaza Strip
The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too, says US President Donald Trump.
Air Busan to disallow power banks in overhead bins after plane fire
Any power banks should be kept with passengers so any overheating, smoke or fire can quickly be spotted and dealt with.
Can the US Congress intervene on Trump's tariffs?
The US Constitution gave Congress tariff powers, but for 70 years, it has passed laws shifting that authority to the president.
Trump proposes permanent displacement of Gazans with Netanyahu at White House
Trump repeated his call for Jordan, Egypt and other Arab states to take in Gazans.
Sweden's deadliest attack leaves 10 dead at Orebro adult school
Police said the gunman was believed to be among those killed.
Suggesting MCA's removal from BN is 'daydreaming' - Ahmad Zahid
Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasised that the coalition has never discussed removing MCA.
Five people shot in attack at Swedish school, police say
The shooting took place in a campus area where several schools are located.
50 per cent toll discount to be implemented during all festive seasons this year - Nanta
Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi says this measure would reduce the costs borne by the government in compensating highway concessionaires.
China launches antitrust probe into Google
China's State Administration for Market Regulation launches an antitrust investigation against Google over suspected violations.
Arab nations oppose removing Palestinians from Gaza in letter to US
Reconstruction in Gaza should be through direct engagement with and participation of the people of Gaza, the letter said.
Trump orders creation of US sovereign wealth fund, says it could buy TikTok
If created, the sovereign wealth fund could place the US alongside numerous other countries, particularly in the Middle East and Asia.
Hundreds flee Santorini as quakes disrupt life
Hundreds of quakes registered every few minutes between the volcanic islands of Santorini and Amorgos in the Aegean Sea.
Investigators probe Washington plane crash wreckage and flight logs
The salvage team recovers part of the fuselage and right engine and the Black Hawk will be retrieved after the plane is fully recovered.
Malaysia eyes leadership in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce boom
E-commerce in Southeast Asia is undergoing rapid transformation, and Malaysia finds itself at a pivotal moment in this digital revolution.
Free KTM Komuter rides on Feb 10, 11 for Thaipusam
Anthony Loke says free rides would be available from midnight to 11.59 pm, using check-out scanning mechanism at automatic control gates.