Spearfisher Severely Bitten While Hunting in Rodrigues Reef

On February 6, 1963, Irené Rose, a 24-year-old spearfisher, was hunting in the Grand-Bassin pass off Rodrigues Island when he became involved in a dramatic encounter with a large shark. Rose had speared a 7-pound trevally (carang) using his underwater rifle when a shark weighing approximately 400 pounds seized both the fish and his right hand. According to his account, the shark was attempting to pull him deeper into the water, and he was forced to struggle for approximately 30 minutes to extract his hand from the shark's jaw before managing to escape to the reef. Rose was rescued by his father and a young boy named Cyril Colette who were nearby. The injury proved severe: his right forearm sustained extensive lacerations, and the tendon in his hand was severed. Initial medical treatment was unsuccessful when two local physicians attempted to repair the damaged tendon. However, Dr. Bathfield was eventually able to restore functional use of his hand, though recovery required eight months of treatment and a year and a half absence from his diving activities. Despite this incident, Rose continued his maritime career. He subsequently engaged in raft deployment and shrimp fishing operations for 13 years, and later became a pleasure boat operator. Years after the attack, he remained active in the waters around Rodrigues and participated in underwater treasure hunting competitions, carrying a permanent scar on his forearm as a reminder of his encounter with the shark.