A tragic incident unfolded on March 25, 1985, when a mother, Shirley Ann Durdin, was killed by a 20-foot Great White shark while diving for scallops at Wiseman’s Beach in South Australia. The horrific attack is now regarded as one of the most devastating shark attacks on record, leaving behind only a headless torso as the sole recovery from the scene.
Witnesses reported a serene day at Peake Bay, a popular tourist destination known for its calm waters. However, on that fateful Sunday, danger lurked beneath the surface. As Durdin was submerged, her husband and four children watched helplessly from the shore. In a moment of anguish, her husband cried out, “She’s gone, she’s gone,” as the family faced the unimaginable loss.
Following the attack, local authorities launched an immediate search for the shark, as reported by the Lincoln Times. The Port Lincoln Game Fishing Club, assisted by abalone divers, undertook an extensive hunt for the predator. A net deployed in the area was discovered torn apart, indicating the size and ferocity of the shark involved. Officials warned the public to refrain from swimming while efforts continued to locate the creature.
Community members gathered in Port Lincoln to discuss the response to the attack. Peter Hurrell, a spokesman for the Diving Club, expressed concerns that the shark responsible for Durdin’s death might be injured or elderly. He noted, “Shark experts say sharks are not partial to human blood, so the shark must be too slow to catch its normal food.” Hurrell emphasized the need to eliminate the threat, stating, “The shark has been called a rogue and must be destroyed. An attack could happen again.”
Despite extensive search efforts, including patrols by the Fisheries Department’s 8.2-meter Shark Cat vessel, divers returned without success. Local State Emergency Service crews and police scoured the Peake Bay area, but challenging sea conditions hampered their attempts to locate the shark. Senior Sergeant Gerhardy confirmed that there had been no prior reports of shark sightings in the area before the tragic encounter.
In the aftermath of the attack, the community mourned the loss of Durdin. A memorial service was held at the Port Lincoln Uniting Church, bringing together family, friends, and local residents to honor her memory. The impact of this tragic event continues to resonate within the community, serving as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and its inhabitants.
