Amity Shark Attack Story 4

            After a reward of $3000 was offered at Monday night’s town meeting, a shark was caught and killed on July 3, approximately one mile south-southwest of Amity.

            Following the gruesome deaths of Alex Kintner, 10, and Chrissie Watson, 17, a reward was offered for the capture of a shark that may have been responsible. Although it is not confirmed that the shark that was found was the same shark that killed the young Amity residents, beaches are now open again. The town council had previously closed the beach for twenty four hours for safety precautions.

            The shark was caught by visiting fishermen and was quickly examined by Matt Hooper, a marine biologist from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. As the shark was displayed on the dock following the capture, Hooper confirmed that it was a tiger shark, but in a press release from Police Chief Martin Brody, it is said to be a nurse shark.

            Although it is still not confirmed whether or not this is the same shark linked with the recent deaths, residents and visitors are urged to return to the beaches. It is believed that the beaches are probably safe and that all beachgoers are out of danger.

Despite this though, many shark spotters will be patrolling the waters. Spotters will be from the Coast Guard, the Marine Patrol, the Massachusetts State Police, the U.S. Navy, Homeland Security, the FBI, and local officials. Police also suggest that any shark sightings be reported through a toll-free hotline, 1-800-sharksee.

            Amity police say that they hope for a happy and successful 4^th of July weekend. They hope that residents and visitors alike will have a fun and safe holiday.