Human body parts found in the stomach of a shark in Indonesian waters are believed to be those of a missing American tourist.
Colleen Monfore, 68, had been swimming in the sea near Pulau Reong island along with six friends on September 26 when she was swept away by strong currents.
The group’s diving guide tried desperately to pull her back to the boat but was unable to do so, triggering an eight-day search before it was called off.
Last week, a fisherman in Timor-Leste, roughly 75 miles from where Ms Monfore was last seen, caught and killed a shark that seemed to be “in obvious distress.” Inside the shark’s stomach, body parts, plus pieces of a wetsuit and swimsuit, were discovered.
The species of shark has not been confirmed.
Initial reports suggest the remains have been identified as Ms Monfore’s, although authorities say they are still trying to determine if they belong to her or another missing individual.
Officials in East Timor are now working alongside the Indonesian coastguard and have also issued an appeal for information about any missing persons, especially given the popularity of diving in the surrounding islands.
Muhammad Saleh Goro, Head of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Management of the Alor Islands Marine Park, stated: “We have coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy in Dili, which has confirmed the accuracy of this information.
“The woman’s body was found inside a shark in Timor-Leste, outside Indonesian waters. We are continuing our investigation to confirm if the remains belong to anyone reported missing in Indonesia.
“From the diving gear worn by the victim, it is believed they were a diver. The results of the investigation will be shared once more detailed information becomes available.”
People claiming to be friends of Ms Monfore have voiced doubts.
Writing on Facebook, diver Kim Sass insisted evidence gathered by investigators indicates the claims of a shark attack are “false.”
Ms Sass pointed out that sharks’ stomachs are adapted to digest food quickly, with strong acids that break down matter rapidly.
By contrast, Ms Monfore’s body and fingerprints were reportedly still identifiable, she highlighted, adding: “This would not be possible if the shark had attacked her weeks ago,” Sass wrote.
Ms Sass and others believe Ms Monfore probably died of a “medical issue,” and disputed claims of unmanageable currents.
She continued: “I’ve done over 1,000 dives with this wonderful woman; she was an excellent diver.
“I don’t believe it was the environment or a shark that ended her life.”
Shark attacks in the region are unusual, with just 11 unprovoked incidents recorded in the past 275 years.
Sass added: “Colleen’s husband said she would have been heartbroken to know a shark died because of her, and that her death is once again giving sharks a bad reputation.”