Shark Fin, Big Splash, The Man Was Gone
Sun Herald
Sunday December 28, 2008
A SNORKELLER believed killed by a huge shark yesterday was swimming just six metres from his son.
Father-of-three Brian Guest, 51, and his 24-year-old son were looking for crabs in shallow water at their local beach near Rockingham, 30 kilometres south of Perth, about 7.15am when he suddenly disappeared. His son swam to shore and ran to a nearby house to raise the alarm. Witnesses told police they saw flashes of fins in the area and the water was coloured by blood. Resident Luke Tubbs said he called police when a witness ran to his house. "He just saw a big splash and then the shark roll over in the water with the guy and then no body or anything," Mr Tubbs said. Acting Inspector Mark Valentine said: "Something very traumatic and pretty violent has happened there and we are treating it as a probable shark attack. "The beach was closed and police, marine rescue patrols and three helicopters searched for the missing man. There were many people at the popular 10-kilometre beach because of the warm weather, Inspector Valentine said. At the scene police said they would continue the search until the missing man was found. But as time passed, hopes of finding him alive were fading, Sergeant Greg Lambert said. Family friend Steve Kent said Mr Guest's loved ones were in shock and supporting each other through the tragedy.Mr Kent said the victim's son did not see the attack. "People on the beach saw and heard things in the water," he said.Mr Guest, of Port Kennedy, worked in the banking industry and regularly swam at the beach. He was described as an avid fisherman who loved the water and respected marine life.
© 2008 Sun Herald