American diver fears death after body parts found in shark off Indonesia

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A US tourist on a dream diving vacation is presumed dead after a woman's body parts were found in the stomach of a shark in Indonesia.

Colleen Monfore, 68, was exploring the sea around Pulau Reong Island with six friends on September 26 when she was swept away by strong currents.

The diving group's leader was unable to pull her back onto the boat, leading to a search for the tourist that lasted eight days before being called off.

Last week, a fisherman in Timor-Leste, about 75 miles from where Monfore went missing, caught and killed a shark after seeing it “in obvious distress.”

In his stomach were body parts of a woman as well as parts of her neoprene suit and swimsuit.

Although there were reports that the body parts had been identified as Monfore's, authorities said they were still trying to determine whether they might belong to another missing person.

Officials in East Timor are contacting the coast guard in Indonesia. Due to the popularity of diving on nearby islands that are part of Indonesian territory, they also asked for information about people who were missing friends or relatives.

Muhammad Saleh Goro, head of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for the management of the Alor Islands Marine Park and the surrounding ocean, said: “We have coordinated with the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Dili and the KBRI has confirmed the truth. “ of this information.

“The woman’s body was found in a shark in Timor-Leste. It was not in Indonesian territory. We are now continuing to investigate the case to confirm whether these are the remains of people reported missing in Indonesia.

“Based on the diving suit the victim was wearing, it can be assumed that he was a diver. The results of the investigation will be published soon as more complete information becomes available.”

However, people who identify as friends of Monfore have warned against misinformation that she was killed and eaten by the shark.

On Facebook, Kim Sass, a diver who claims to have been friends with Monfore, said evidence collected by investigators showed the shark attack claims were “false.”

Sass pointed out that sharks' stomachs are adapted for rapid digestion and contain strong acids that help break down food into smaller particles.

Despite this, Monfore's body and fingerprints were apparently still identifiable. “This wouldn’t be possible if the shark had attacked her weeks ago,” Sass wrote.

Sass said she and others believe Monfore died of a “medical issue” and that the reported strong currents were “manageable.”

“I easily did over 1000 dives with this lovely woman; She was an excellent diver,” Sass wrote on Facebook. “I don’t think it was the environment, let alone a shark, that ended her life.”

Shark attacks are generally rare in the area; Only 11 unprovoked incidents have been recorded in the last 275 years.

Sass added: “Colleen's husband said it would have broken her heart to learn that a shark had died because of her, and that her death had once again given sharks a bad name.”

The Independent Sass has reached out for further comment.