24 Jul 2013

Shark death ruled tragic accident

8:32 pm on 24 July 2013

Surf Life Saving New Zealand says it would be nearly impossible to prevent a shark attack at Muriwai Beach like the one that killed a 46-year-old swimmer.

A coroner has found that Adam Strange's death at the west Auckland beach in February this year was a tragic accident that could not have been prevented.

There were suggestions after Mr Strange's death that shark nets could be installed to prevent similar attacks in the future.

But Tom Burgess, the Northern club support manager for Surf Life Saving New Zealand, said on Wednesday the nature and environment of Muriwai Beach means preventing a shark attack is implausible.

Mr Burgess said it is 46km long and cordoning off an area that size would be ineffective and expensive.

The coroner's report agrees. It said Mr Strange died from large-scale blood loss from bites sustained during the attack.

Mr Burgess said Surf Life Saving, police and the Auckland Council have since identified protocols for managing any future shark attacks.

Muriwai Beach's size and nature would make it hard to use shark nets, Surf Life Savers say.

Muriwai Beach's size and nature would make it hard to use shark nets, Surf Life Savers say. Photo: RNZ