PULAU REONG, INDONESIA – The serene waters of Pulau Reong, a paradise for divers, became the backdrop for a nightmarish event when 68-year-old Colleen Monfore from South Dakota was fatally attacked by a shark. Monfore, who was vacationing with friends, had embarked on what was supposed to be an idyllic diving trip on September 26, only to be caught in a deadly current that led to her tragic demise.
Her remains were unexpectedly discovered by a fisherman near East Timor, who had caught a sickly shark. Assuming the shark had swallowed debris, he was horrified to find human remains when he cut it open, later identified as Monfore’s.
Authorities have confirmed the recovery of the remains, which were clad in a black wetsuit, from the shark’s stomach. The unsettling scene has prompted further investigation, with local officials stressing that East Timor, or Timor-Leste, is not within Indonesian territory. The focus now is to determine if there is any link to missing persons in Indonesia.
Muhammad Saleh Goro, who leads the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Alor Island Marine Park, said the investigation aims to confirm if the remains are of someone reported missing in Indonesia. The presence of diving gear indicates the victim was likely an experienced diver. The results of the investigation will be released once more comprehensive data is gathered.
Reports from Timor-Leste suggest that the remains belong to a foreign woman, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. This incident is a stark reminder of the ocean’s unpredictable nature and the lurking threats beneath its surface.
As the authorities work to unravel the mystery, the diving community is reminded of the need for caution and respect for the ocean’s formidable power. This tragic event serves as a somber warning of the potential dangers that lie beneath the waves.