Fatal shark encounter in Port Moresby channel claims fisherman

On the afternoon of December 9, 1954, a fatal shark incident occurred in a shallow channel off Kila Beach near Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The victim, a fisherman, was swimming approximately 200 yards from shore in the Coral Sea when he was attacked by a shark of unknown species. The attack happened at 13:20 local time while the man was swimming in close proximity to a canoe. Four other individuals were present in the vicinity but did not observe the shark before or during the encounter. The shark inflicted severe trauma, removing tissue from the victim's abdomen and thigh. The injuries proved fatal. The incident occurred during a full moon phase on December 10, 1954. Investigation was conducted by C.H. Hodgson, Sub-Inspector of the Police Holding Depot at Kila, Port Moresby. Despite the documented nature of the encounter, the species of shark involved could not be determined from available evidence. This fatal attack remains part of the historical record of shark incidents in Papua New Guinea waters.