City releases review of shark attack at Fish Hoek beach

After conducting an extensive review of the fatal shark attack on Mr Loyd Skinner on Tuesday 12 January at Fish Hoek beach, the City has concluded that within reasonable means, the tragic attack could not have been avoided. The City once again extends its condolences to the family of Mr Loyd Skinner.

The review was undertaken to establish the correct information surrounding the death of Mr Skinner. The shark spotters on duty, eyewitnesses and shark experts were interviewed to determine what
might have caused the attack and whether it could have been avoided.

Key findings of the review were that spotting conditions were not ideal at the time of the attack, as indicated by the black flag that was raised by the two shark spotters on duty. All indications are that the shark emerged from deep water where it was not visible and attacked the victim within seconds once it was on the surface. There were about 12 -15 other bathers in the water at the time, but Mr Skinner was substantially deeper than any of them.

The investigation has also ascertained that Mr Skinner was in the vicinity of a large school of fish, which was an important factor in drawing the shark into the area.

For these reasons, it is believed that the tragic shark attack could not have been avoided.

After these findings, the key recommendations are that:

• The City should increase the size and visibility of shark information signage along its coastline
• The City could consider erecting mobile or temporary signs to alert people when great white sharks frequent Cape Town’s water more
• Even though the shark spotting programme remains an effective early warning system, the programme could invest further in emergency training for its staff
• The City install permanent signage in the area between the Galley Restaurant and Jaggers Walk, as well as along Jaggers Walk indicating that it is unsafe for bathing due to the presence of sharks
• The City should recommend to its communities (especially surfers and kayakers) that they have the choice to use personal shark shields

The City would again like to extend its condolences to the family of Mr Loyd Skinner.

Martin Pollack