The Meeting

Killer shark caught and killed

On July 3, the shark that fatally attacked two young islanders earlier this week was caught and killed by fishermen in waters one mile south-west of Amity.

 “We believe we can safely say that the danger of further shark attacks has probably passed,” Police Chief Martin S. Brody said in a press release. “Amity’s darkest days are behind us.”

The shark hunt began yesterday after news of a $3,000 reward for the person who caught and killed the shark responsible for the death of Alex Kintner, 10. Kintner went missing while swimming off the coast of Amity earlier this week. His cause of death was ruled as a shark attack.

Chrissie Watson, 17, also went missing in Amity waters earlier this week. Her remains were found washed ashore. While her cause of death was initially reported as a shark attack, it has since been changed to a boating accident.

The shark was brought ashore and inspected by Matt Hooper, a marine biologist from the Woods Hole, Mass. Oceanographic Institute, and one of the world’s foremost experts on sharks. Hooper identified the deadly animal as a tiger shark, one of the most brutal and dangerous breeds.

Brody also stated in the press release that all of Amity’s beaches will reopen immediately, after a decision made at an emergency town hall meeting closed the beaches for 24 hours. “I urge all our residents to recreate at the beaches,” said Brody. “Swim and have fun!”

Since the initial attack on Watson, rumors of this shark have scared away visitors to the island, which has hurt local businesses that thrive on summer tourism. Many concerned business owners attended the emergency town hall meeting to …

Brody has stated that, “islanders and guests should not be alarmed by the presence of shark spotters,” on the beaches. The spotters, sent in from local, state, and federal agencies are a precaution to calm the nerves of beachgoers.

Any shark sighting should be reported to authorities at the toll-free hotline, 1-800-SHARKSEE.